Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:34.079> they that they prescribe this machine they that they prescribe this machine
• <00:55:41.359> is keep working on it okay so the vote is keep working on it okay so the vote
• We can't vote on it because we don't have an amendment to vote on, uh, but so that's where we're at.
• , but I would say, is this a straw vote?
• straw vote are we um okay with this straw vote are we um okay with this amendment amendment amendment

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

Transcript Highlights:

• the interim before all of the machines the interim before all of the machines are<00:17:42.960><
• thank you Mr chairman uh I'll be voting thank you Mr chairman uh I'll be voting against<04:16:46.640
• I'm going to vote for this.
• So I will be voting against this bill."
• I will be voting for it."

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute passes with favorable expression, 19 yes votes, no no votes.
• Representative Petrie: [Vote not fully captured in transcript, likely yes].
• last year and I guess my cons I did vote last year and I guess my cons I did vote for<00:41:10.920
• We have to—okay, so with 17 yes votes and no no votes, House Bill 2011 is reported favorably.
• Do I need a vote? All those in favor, aye. Those opposed, no. It's adopted.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:03 HB 220: 00:01:49 Discussion in Opposition to HB 220: 00:14:37 HB 136: 00:28:21 HB 201: 00:34:14, 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a full roll call and first took up House Bill 220, which would strengthen Kentucky DUI penalties. The sponsor and a Commonwealth’s attorney testified that the bill would make a third DUI within 10 years a felony, while keeping first- and second-offense penalties the same, and that the committee substitute also adds escalating fines for under-21 DUI offenses and aligns interlock requirements. Supporters argued the change is needed to protect families and respond to repeat impaired driving, citing a fatal case involving a young victim and a repeat offender with a high blood alcohol level and prior DUI convictions. Members asked about treatment, sentencing, and drafting details. The sponsor explained that the existing mandatory substance-abuse treatment requirement for fourth-or-greater offenses would apply to third-or-greater offenses under the substitute, and that a 120-day minimum remains in place. Questions were also raised about removing redundant statutory language and about whether felony treatment could sometimes result in less actual jail time than a misdemeanor; the sponsor and prosecutor said such cases are rare and that the bill gives prosecutors and juries more tools. Representative Blanton supported the bill but noted it does not address fentanyl, and the sponsor said he has a separate bill for that issue. Opposition testimony came from Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who said he supported tougher DUI enforcement but opposed felonyizing the third offense. He argued that the current system already imposes mandatory jail and treatment, that felony cases often resolve through plea bargains with parole eligibility that may not increase actual time served, and that the better approach would be stronger mandatory counseling, longer license suspensions, and ignition interlock requirements rather than felony status. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and passed HB 220 favorably by a 19-0 vote. The committee then began House Bill 136, which would require the Department of Corrections to compile and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on corrections and parole outcomes, including time served and supervision data. The sponsor and a witness from the Georgia Center for Opportunity said the bill is intended to improve transparency and give lawmakers better data for policy decisions. Members voiced support for better post-release data and asked whether DOC could implement the reporting; the witness said DOC had not expressed concerns and already submits some reports. Discussion on HB 136 was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They go up, and then the school districts are the ones that people have to vote on, and so sometimes
• the no vote is also a reflection maybe of some of the other property taxes that have gone up.
• <01:02:19.839> on<01:02:20.240> and<01:02:20.559> so uh people have to vote
• on and so uh people have to vote on and so sometimes<01:02:21.599> the<01:02:21.839> no
• the no vote is also a sometimes the no vote is also a reflection<01:02:23.520> maybe<01:02:23.839

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vasut, if you're testifying, please make sure you have filled out the electronic witness affirmation
• I believe you handed me a letter that says, "Don't worry, vote Curry." That's correct.
• Please vote positively for HB3830 and remember, don't worry, vote Curry every time.
• We'll vote. If no more questions, I close. Very good, thank you, Ms. Pearson.
• the ability to raise the maintenance and operation taxes. tax rate up to 8% yearly without a public vote

Bills: HB485, HB1367, HB1370, HB1827, HB1879, HB2032, HB2133, HB2357, HB3581, HB3830, HB4060, HB4085, HB4270, HB4979, HB5217, HB5268, HB5478, HJR96, HJR97, HJR119, HJR195, HJR209, SB4, SB23, SJR2, SJR85, SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• They had to take action to vote for it.
• I urge you to vote yes for HB 775.
• Vote no for atheist children in this state. Vote no for Muslim children in the state.
• Vote no for the children who do or don't practice any religion. in this state, and yes, that means vote
• I urge you to vote against SB 10.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• A real voice, a real vote.
• Stripping us of the ability to vote...
• and are not going to attempt to get a vote.
• ISD want to be able to vote.
• So when people tell me that they want to vote, you have the option to vote.

Bills: HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369, HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, eligibility standards, school participation, academic standards, Texas education, interscholastic league, extracurricular activities, academic proficiency, AED

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 14,000 people voted.
• Of candidates and people do vote.
• It required special voting machines, moved elections to optical scan systems, and required public testing
• who didn't vote at all in those races or voted for maybe one candidate out of four.
• Voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have school board recommends a yes vote or school board recommends a no vote. Thank you, Mr.
• or School Board recommends a a yes Vote or School Board recommends a no no no vote<00:19:52.159>
• So I will not be voting for it for that reason.
• would have to go in the way back machine would have to go in the way back machine to<06:41:46.120
• <06:50:31.280> um original bill and we will be voting um original bill and we will be voting

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first noted that House Bill 398, concerning Holocaust and genocide studies, and House Bill 131 had already been handled previously and were off the schedule. It then took up House Bill 740, which would require the Department of Education to maintain permanent records for closed charter schools. After brief discussion about overlap with another charter-school bill that already addressed closure and records, Representative Freeman moved to table the bill. The committee voted 16-0 to table/ITL the bill, and it was placed on the consent calendar. The main discussion centered on House Bill 557, which would require additional information on school budget ballots, including average cost per pupil, enrollment history, and teacher-to-administrator ratios. Members raised concerns that the bill was duplicative of existing law, overly detailed, costly to towns, and potentially electioneering or cumbersome on ballots. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help voters who do not attend deliberative sessions or use online resources. The committee did not vote on the bill during the discussion; instead, members moved into caucus and later indicated they would hold the bill until Monday for further review. Later, the committee turned to House Bill 699 on special education definitions and considered Amendment 0606H. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed with the Department of Education after hearing testimony and was intended to align state definitions with federal law and incorporate recommendations from a prior audit, including changing “functionally blind pupils” to “students with visual impairments.” Some members supported the changes as responsive to the hearing and audit, while others objected that the amendment was still confusing, had not fully addressed stakeholder concerns, and should wait for a more comprehensive special education audit. The discussion also referenced House Bill 754 and another amendment, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 699 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, just so you know, this is the only bill that we have today that is actually going to vote on
• actually that you're actually<01:12:53.280> going<01:12:53.400> to<01:12:53.600> vote
• <01:12:54.159> to<01:12:54.360> leave<01:12:55.360> the actually going to vote
• on to leave the actually going to vote on to leave the the<01:12:55.880> committee<01:12:56.639
• on in order to bill that we have to vote on in order to sentive<01:42:01.480> to<01:42:01.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will activate the machine for a recorded vote. Harris votes. Guys, votes.
• William's i Called dwellrey ii Any members wishing to vote or change their vote, chairs pertaining, declare
• the vote. 72 aye, 16 nay.
• Having received a majority of those voting, I declare the resolution to have passed. Mr.

Bills: HB3840, HB3431, HB4422, HB4117, HB4300, HB4298, HB2984, HB3344, HB2979, HB2980, HB3662, HB4107, HB3082, HB2997, HB3083, HB3055, HB2951, HB3469, HB3173, HB3287, HB2947, HB3784, HB3901, HB4275, HR1031, HB4359, HB4115, HB3467, HB2978, HB3026, HB3032

Keywords: foreign ownership, land acquisition, military installation, critical infrastructure, affidavit requirements, state law, penalties, Attorney General, foreign ownership of land, foreign adversary, foreign government adversary, foreign government enterprise, foreign government entity, foreign terrorist organization, specially designated national, SDN, FTO, critical minerals, land ownership, real property

Transcript Highlights:

• Milton Friedman believed, and rightly so, that people vote with their feet.
• Well, people are voting with their feet. Young people are leaving, old people are entering.
• That's voting with your feet. That is a system at play.
• Well, people are voting with their feet.
• That's voting with people are entering. That's voting with your<02:36:48.399> feet.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only data that I have, and I'll send you all the electronic testimony that I have later, is data
• I do hope that you will vote and support this bill and pass it on to the next level, because I still
• And I'd like you to think about that personally and vote accordingly.
• about that personally and vote about that personally and vote accordingly<02:33:21.120> I'd
• Anyone with an eBay account and cash can go and buy an FTIR machine online.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices. Mara, please call the roll. Chair Angolia? Present.
• slapping a sticker on a milkshake that's from McDonald's—no offense, McDonald's, but if the milkshake machine

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard a series of presentations focused on mitigation, flood and wind resilience, and insurance discounts. Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management outlined several funding streams for mitigation, including federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program dollars, BRIC grants, flood mitigation assistance, and the state hurricane loss mitigation program. He emphasized the new Elevate Florida initiative, which will use about $400 million initially to elevate or reconstruct flood-prone homes, starting with National Flood Insurance Program properties and severe repetitive-loss homes, with no current per-home cap. Guthrie said the state will contract directly with licensed vendors and aims to reduce future flood losses, lower insurance costs, and keep properties on the tax rolls rather than relying on buyouts. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworski described Florida’s windstorm mitigation discount program, explaining that the 1802 inspection form is used to assess a home’s overall “envelope” and determine statutory discounts. He said the office is updating the program based on a new wind loss study, with likely changes including greater recognition of roof types such as metal roofs and possible territorial risk adjustments. He also said the Legislature now requires the office to revisit the study every five years. Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services reported on My Safe Florida Home, noting that the program offers inspections and grants for roof and opening protections, has completed more than 100,000 inspections, and has reimbursed hundreds of millions of dollars. He said the department has validated its discount calculations with insurers and that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce premiums through verified mitigation work. Michael Newman of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety said Florida’s building code is nationally leading and that post-Ian surveys found no wind-driven structural damage in buildings built after adoption of the code. He argued that mitigation should be treated as a system, not isolated upgrades, and suggested adding Fortified designation to the state’s mitigation form to better document verified resilience improvements. Bill Truex, a county commissioner and builder, stressed the need to educate homeowners about floodproofing and roof choices, citing examples where flood panels prevented damage and noting that asphalt shingles often do not last as long in Florida as their marketing suggests. In panel discussion, senators asked about program eligibility, outreach to elderly and digitally challenged residents, contractor vetting, roof-life disclosures, and whether flood insurance should be more broadly required. Officials said outreach will include call centers and in-person assistance, and several participants urged better consumer disclosure and more data-driven guidance on roof and mitigation choices.

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically converts a pilot program for the use of accessible voting machines in local elections to
• program for the use of accessible voting program for the use of accessible voting machines<00:18
• Vano voted yes. Representative Walner voted no. Representative Sullivan voted no.
• Representative Lay voted no. Chair Weyler voted yes. The vote is 14 to 11.
• Representative Waye voted yes. The vote is 24 to 1. "Yeah, I vote yes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• and health benefit plan issuers or pharmacy benefit managers to HB3317 by Heffner that we previously voted
• This is a companion bill to HB4603 that we previously voted out.
• I urge you to vote for this important bill, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Dr.
• So we respectfully ask that you all vote in favor of HB 813, and I thank you all for your time.
• Machine learning is one of more than almost 20 different types of technologies for artificial intelligence

Bills: HB813, HB1680, HB3569, HB4074, HB4635, HB5178, SB527, SB1307, SB1822

Keywords: autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education, admin penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to set up a small machine shop.
• Thank you. committee voted 14 to1 on Halloween of committee voted 14 to1 on Halloween of 2024<04:32:49.920
• reasons, I respectfully urge you to vote reasons, I respectfully urge you to vote no<04:55:10.718
• vote to be a part of it. Thank you. vote to be a part of it. Thank you.
• before we have to vote on these things. before we have to vote on these things.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Perusso votes aye. Representative Takayama votes aye. Representative Todd votes aye.
• members if not Vice chair for the vote members if not Vice chair for the vote voting<02:14:41.559
• vote voting on House Vice chair for the vote voting on House Bill<02:15:10.000> 1277<02:15:10.719
• If not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on House Bill 111 as is.
• If not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on House Bill 1175 as is.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it's not as a well-oiled machine as the thing that sausage-making machine that puts the contracts
• for a contracting welloiled machine for a contracting unit.<00:38:39.040> And<00:38:39.200>
• Um it's not as<00:39:59.440> a<00:39:59.599> welloiled<00:40:00.160> machine<00:
• as the thing that as a welloiled machine as the thing that sausage<00:40:02.240> making<00:40
• sausage making machine that puts the sausage making machine that puts the contracts<00:40:04.000>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met after recess to hear a Department of Health and Human Services overview of its contract structure, with CFO Nathan White explaining that DHS currently has 969 active agreements spanning service contracts, grants, data-sharing agreements, use-of-premises agreements, and MOUs. He said contracts are budgeted across multiple class lines and accounting units, often braided with federal funds, which makes the system complex; he also noted that the department’s top spending list was limited to 18 items rather than 20 and included both individual contracts and grouped regional/provider contracts. White emphasized that many contracts support direct services to residents, while others support departmental operations such as software support and staffing. Commissioner Hardy said the listed contracts are essential to serving vulnerable populations and supporting required administrative infrastructure, and she stressed that the department tries to work with providers and families rather than impose changes on them. In response to questions about area agencies and developmental disability services, DHS officials said the agencies’ duties are spelled out in contract and statute, including family support services, billing-related functions, and services tied to the state’s community-based system; they said some billing duties have already been moved outside the contract. They also explained that the department rejected a previously discussed two-tier waiver concept after stakeholder feedback in October 2023 and instead shifted to rate-based work, including CIS assessments, to better align payment with individual need. Members also raised concerns about possible waste, sole-source contracting, and subcontracting. Hardy said she had not seen specific evidence of waste beyond a whistleblower call mentioned by a member, but acknowledged that inefficient execution can occur in government and said the department is trying to improve management. On procurement, she said sole-source contracts require her approval and that competitive procurement is the default when possible. White added that subcontracting is allowed only with written state permission under the standard P-37 terms, and subcontractors must meet the same obligations as the prime contractor. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill would impede Minnesota businesses and our competitiveness, we respectfully encourage a no vote
• this bill would impede Minnesota businesses and our competitiveness, we respectfully encourage a no vote
• this bill would impede Minnesota businesses and our competitiveness, we respectfully encourage a no vote
• <00:41:26.280> And<00:41:26.440> so CNC machine for us or something.
• And so CNC machine for us or something.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all