Transcript Highlights:

• 340, House Bill 656.
• , Senate Bill 433, Senate Bill 432, Senate Bill 413, House Bill 562, House Bill 725, House Bill 723,
• and House Bill 682.
• Bill 432, Senate Bill 413, House Bill 562, House Bill 725, House Bill 723, and House Bill 682.
• So that we will close the hearing on House Bill 604. House Bill 613.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the value of property; House Bill 3266, an act relative to municipal tax collectors; House Bill 3271
• ; House Bill 3266, an act relative to municipal tax collectors; House Bill 3271, an act relative to preserving
• House Bill 5097, local approval received; and House Bill 5098, an act authorizing the City of Salem to
• Second reading of the bills. House Bill 5098, local approval received. Mr.
• House Bill 5098. Question now is on ordering the bills for a third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, House Bill 673 is a bill where the legislature is going to look at a vital step forward
• who wishes testify on for against House Bill 673?
• Last session, the Texas House unanimously passed House Bill 471, which included the provision in this
• Members, House Bill 322, which Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Members, House Bill 322, which last session passed this committee unanimously and the House overwhelmingly

Bills: HB322 , HB331 , HB673 , HB 1147 , HB 1154 , HB2488

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, first responders, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, benefits, compensation, presumption of disability, emergency services, healthcare, Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, treatment access, cost, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill doesn't pretend to solve our housing crisis, as we know And this bill doesn't pretend to
• This bill is basically a housing and health bill. It's kind of at the intersection.
• You know, Senator Slatter said this is a health bill and a housing bill.
• This is a health bill and a housing bill.
• So we're reducing our rental housing supply by this bill. Is that accurate? Yes.

Summary: The Housing Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5496, which would limit certain business and investment entities from buying additional single-family homes after reaching 100 holdings, with exemptions for banks, nonprofits making affordability-related improvements, and some development/foreclosure situations. Senator Alvarado said the bill is intended to curb speculation and help Washington families compete for homes, while opponents argued it would interfere with the market, reduce rental supply, and could affect REITs and retirement investments. Supporters, including Habitat for Humanity, said institutional buying has made homeownership harder and that the bill would create needed guardrails; opponents from the building and rental housing industries said the data did not justify the restriction and asked for clearer exemptions or data on impacts. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6200, which would prohibit landlords under the residential and manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant laws from banning tenants from installing portable cooling devices, subject to safety, code, egress, insurance, and damage-related exceptions. Senator Slatter and supporters framed the bill as a public health response to deadly heat events, especially the 2021 heat dome, and said it would help renters, seniors, and people with disabilities stay safe during extreme heat. Landlord and property management representatives were generally neutral or cautiously supportive, but asked for changes on notice, lease language, insurance, and window-unit safety; one testifier raised concerns about evaporative coolers and potential moisture damage. In executive session, the committee acted on several bills. It adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 5156 on elevator standards in smaller apartment buildings and reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation. It rejected amendments to Senate Bill 5938 on the foreclosure prevention fee, adopted an amendment removing a study requirement, and then reported the bill out as amended with a due pass recommendation. It also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 6054 on fire-hardened building materials and reported that bill out as amended with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee reported out Senate Bill 6237B on flood disclosure with a due pass recommendation. After those votes, the committee reopened public hearing on SB 6200 and SB 5496 to hear additional testimony, then adjourned for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill relative to electronic scanning of identifications, House No. 3716.
• The House bill directing the City of Boston Police Department to The House bill directing the City of
• Notwithstanding the maximum age requirement, House No. 4390, local approval received, and the House bill
• The Chair is informed that House Bill 1068 has been released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading
• House Bill 3927 has been released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2211, medically tailored meals.
• We have Substitute House Bill 1390 before us.
• House Bill 2429 before us.
• Next up, we have House Bill 2510.
• We have Substitute House Bill 2505 before us.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 24 to executive a large docket of bills and one gubernatorial appointment. The committee first heard and then moved several bills in two packets. Topics included the Community Protection Program (SHB 1390), jail search policies for transgender and intersex individuals (EHB 1604), medically tailored meals (EHB 2211), limits on DSHS reviews of community residential service providers (SHB 2230), and a children and youth behavioral health coordination bill (2SHB 2429). Later, the committee also considered bills on foster care licensing and adult family homes (SHB 2505), DOC supervision of stalking convictions (HB 2510), inmate funds and indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), and transparency for residential habilitation centers (SHB 2350), along with the reappointment of Corey McNally to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Most of the debate centered on SHB 1390 and EHB 1604, where Senator Christian offered numerous amendments aimed at adding restrictions, notifications, assessments, and delays; most of those amendments failed on party-line votes. On SHB 1390, the committee adopted only a technical amendment updating agency names and references, then advanced the bill to Rules. On EHB 1604, all proposed amendments failed and the bill was sent to Rules. On EHB 2211, an amendment to add a competitive bidding credit for nonprofit and small-business meal vendors failed, and the bill advanced. SHB 2230 moved forward without amendment, and 2SHB 2429 was amended with a striking amendment and referred to Ways and Means because of its fiscal impact. In the second packet, SHB 2505 and HB 2510 were both moved out of committee without amendment. On SHB 2539, the committee rejected an amendment to lower the indigency threshold to $50, adopted an amendment allowing the threshold to be at least $100 and adjustable, and then advanced the bill as amended. On SHB 2350, the committee adopted a negotiated amendment requiring notices about residential habilitation center noncompliance to be emailed to relevant legislative committees, withdrew a second notice amendment, and passed the bill. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of Corey McNally’s appointment to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Several bills were reported out subject to signatures, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4847 is left pending. House Bill 4847 is left pending. Chair lays out House Bill 1769.
• House Bill 19.
• House Bill 1681 is left pending. Chair lays out House Bill 3424.
• House Bill 3504. House Bill 3504 is left pending.
• House Bill 5447 is left pending. Chair lays out House Bill 30.

Bills: HB19 , HB30 , HB851 , HB1663 , HB1681 , HB1769 , HB1937 , HB1979 , HB2428 , HB2433 , HB2825 , HB3159 , HB3424 , HB3486 , HB3487 , HB3504 , HB3605 , HB3879 , HB3994 , HB4382 , HB4752 , HB5444 , HB5446 , HB5447 , HB3199 , HB4847 , HB19

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: local government debt, property tax, ad valorem tax, bond election, certificate of obligation, anticipation note, school district tax rate, voter-approval rate, debt service cap, municipal finance, county bonds, flood control district, hospital district, public works, tax transparency, property tax notice, November uniform election date, general obligation bonds, local debt reform, taxpayer notice

Transcript Highlights:

• House No. 4579, its title having been changed by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading.
• Third reading of the bill: an act to amend the Town of Natick Home Rule Charter, House No. 3898.
• The Committee on Bills in Third Reading, to whom was referred the House bill to amend the Town of Natick
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. Paper from the House.
• The House bill establishing a sick leave bank for William Blaylock, an employee of the Suffolk County

Summary: The Senate session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial recognitions. Members welcomed the 2025 Duxbury Girls Soccer Team, the MIAA Division II state champions, and the Medfield Girls Soccer Team, the Division III state champions, with remarks highlighting their championship seasons, records, and coaches. The chamber also adopted a resolution congratulating Oxford Fire Chief Lawrence R. McDonald on 45 years of public service. On the legislative side, the Senate adopted a House order establishing a special joint committee on initiative petitions. It then passed to be enacted a bill providing for the recall of elected officers in the town of Sharon. The Senate also took up and passed several local bills on third reading, including measures relating to Bridgewater’s town council, temporary absence and appointment powers of the town manager, the City of Cambridge Employment and Job Training Trust, and an amendment to the Natick Home Rule Charter, which was amended to conform to Senate Document No. 2953 before passage. The chamber then acted on several Ways and Means reports and related orders. It concurred in a House amendment to Senate No. 2563 on laws affecting individuals with disabilities, with a further amendment and emergency preamble, and ordered several bills to second reading with Ways and Means amendments pending, including measures on consumer protections and dishonored bill transactions, the pathway to become a certified public accountant, and fair housing practices. The Senate also ordered House No. 4908, establishing a sick leave bank for a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office employee, to third reading. Finally, the Senate adopted orders to return the next meeting to Monday at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned in memory of Jim Parker and Kimberly Parker after tributes honoring their public service and community involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• But first item on our list is House Bill 551. But first item on our list is House Bill 551.
• This House Bill 751 deals with STARS, which is state taxation anticipated revenue.
• This House Bill 751 deals with STARS, which is state taxation anticipated revenue.
• We have a motion by Senator Bernt to send House Bill 751 to the floor with the do-pass recommendation
• We have a motion by Senator Burnt to send House Bill 751 to the floor with the due pass recommendation

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• The House of Representatives has originated and passed the following House Bill and ordered the same
• The House of Representatives has originated and passed the following House Bill and ordered the same
• The House of Representatives has originated and passed the following House Bill...
• Originated and passed the following House engrossed House Bill and ordered the same sent forthwith to
• The House of Representatives has originated and passed the following House Bill and ordered the same

Bills: SJR 2 , SB 4 , SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 42 , SR 74 , SR 76 , HCR 5 , SB 710 , SB 710

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4215 is favorably reported.
• The chair lays out, as a matter of pending business, Senate Bill 1899, House Bill 1899, the last bill
• I'm testifying in support of House Bill 11.
• I am here in support of House Bill 11.
• I am here in support of House Bill 11.

Bills: HB 11 , HB14 , HB132 , HB1584 , HB1606 , HB5061 , HB 1041 , HB2286 , HB132

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified. The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 130 is the Housing and Homelessness Trailer Bill. Homelessness Trailer Bill.
• bills about housing.
• But it is surprising to me to see in the bill language because it wasn't present in other housing bills
• I also have some questions regarding the housing trailer bill? The housing trailer bill?
• minimum wage—a bill that's referred to as an infill housing bill.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm open to continuing to work on this bill in the next house, but I also want to just be realistic about
• Senate Bill 492 by Senator Menjivar, an act relating to the Youth Housing Bond Act of 2026, by providing
• Senate Bill 417 by Senator Cabaldon and act relating to housing by providing the funds necessary...
• Senate Bill 417 by Senator Cabaldon, an act relating to housing by providing the funds necessary, therefore
• Senate Bill 417 by Senator Cobaldon and act relating to housing by providing the funds necessary, therefore

Summary: The Senate took up a series of third-reading bills covering horse racing, local taxation, consumer financial security, elections, utilities, batteries, sexual health, body-worn cameras, property tax treatment for inherited homes, adoptee birth records, youth housing bonds, workers’ compensation, and civil rights. SB 795 on horse racing, SB 762 allowing Hercules to seek voter approval for a sales tax increase, SB 505 requiring two-factor authentication for money transmitter platforms, SB 46 barring California ballot access for presidential candidates who have already served two terms, SB 73 restricting federal access to voting machines without a court order, SB 327 on utility oversight and ratepayer protections, SB 501 expanding battery producer responsibility, SB 608 on school contraceptive access, SB 691 on EMS-related redaction of body-worn camera footage, SB 288 clarifying Proposition 19 timing for inherited homes in probate, SB 381 giving adoptees access to original birth certificates, SB 492 creating a youth housing bond, SB 555 increasing permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 747 creating a civil cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers were all debated and advanced. Most measures passed on roll call, with SB 505 and SB 288 approved by unanimous roll call, and SB 73 carrying an urgency clause that also passed unanimously. Debate on SB 747 was the most extensive and contentious. Supporters argued the bill was needed to hold federal officers accountable for alleged constitutional violations, especially in immigration enforcement, and described it as a civil-rights remedy for people harmed by federal agents. Opponents said existing federal and state remedies already cover such conduct, warned the bill was politically motivated, and argued it could increase litigation and strain law enforcement resources. The bill nevertheless passed on a 30-10 vote, with the urgency clause also approved. SB 492 on youth housing also drew debate over state bonding and debt, with supporters emphasizing early intervention for homeless and foster youth and opponents arguing the state should avoid borrowing and instead fund projects through the budget; it passed 30-9 on both urgency and the measure. Other bills also drew focused testimony. SB 555 was presented as a long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment for permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 381 was supported as a way to give adopted adults access to their original birth certificates for identity and medical-history reasons. SB 691 was framed as a privacy measure for patients receiving medical or psychological treatment, while SB 501 was described as closing a gap in California’s battery recycling and safety rules by adding medium-format batteries used in e-bikes and portable power systems. SB 762 was presented as a local option for Hercules to address revenue shortfalls, and SB 46 and SB 73 both centered on election integrity and constitutional questions, with members split over federal-state authority and ballot access.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1020 HD1 strong support of uh House Bill 1020 HD1 and<00:04:40.160><c> just</c><00:04:40.320
• </c><00:08:58.800><c> to</c> on House Bill 242 HD1 relating to on House Bill 242 HD1 relating to electric
• </c><00:12:16.959><c> Bill</c> chair votes I Vice chair on House Bill chair votes I Vice chair on House
• </c><00:20:30.320><c> Bill</c> testify on House Bill testify on House Bill 977<00:20:33.240><c> if</c
• </c><00:22:43.600><c> Bill</c> on House Bill on House Bill 1051<00:22:45.880><c> if</c><00:22:46.039>

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I transmit herewith House Bill 515, 511, House Joint Memorial 9, House Bill 518, House Joint
• Memorial 10, and House Bill 504, which had passed the House.
• House Bills 515, 511, House Joint Memorial 9, House Bill 518, House Joint Memorial 10, and House Bill
• House Bills, 515, 511, House Joint Memorial 9, House Bill 518, House Joint Memorial 10, and House Joint
• Memorial 9, House Bill 518, House Joint Memorial 10, and House Bill 504 will all be referred to the

Transcript Highlights:

• Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 4. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 4. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 7. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Question before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 15. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Before the House is the passage of Senate Bill 21. Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill on the calendar for today is House File 3516. The clerk will report the bill.
• >> The next bill on the calendar for today is House File 3528.
• The next bill on the calendar for today is House File 3718. The clerk will report the bill.
• This bill has not received even a hearing in the House Tax Committee.
• </c> the House originates all tax bills. the House originates all tax bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> House Bill 225? House Bill 225?
• </c><00:22:49.039><c> Bill</c> close the hearing on House Bill close the hearing on House Bill 150.<00
• </c><00:58:01.119><c> Bill</c> like to speak on House Bill like to speak on House Bill 279?
• </c> House Bill 304? House Bill 304? All<01:14:14.560><c> right.
• </c><01:14:16.880><c> Bill</c> the hearing on House Bill the hearing on House Bill 304<01:14:18.719><

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 583 is... Thank you for the time today.
• I'd ask for your vote on House Bill 583.
• House Bill 583 fixes those flaws.
• Neither of these bills addressed that, especially not the House bill presented today.
• The committee will now take up House Bill 583.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• I have House Bill 511 and I have House Bill 590. All right. Which one do you want to do?
• I have House Bill 511 and I have House Bill 590. All right. Which one you want to do?
• Meloran on your bill, House Bill 888. All right. Rep. Meloran on your bill, House Bill 888.
• House Bill 776 as amended.
• House bill, I believe this. Mr. Chairman, House Bill, I believe this is 707.

Bills: HB345 , HB503 , HB511 , HB590 , HB655 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB748 , HB776 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB896 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1086 , HB1233

Committee: Senate Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works met with five members present and approved the April 29, 2026 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several bills, including HB 1233, which lowers the contract threshold for hospital service districts to use the Seymours program for certain hospital construction projects, and HB 715, which requires aerial applicators operating from public airports to have a transponder and radio; an amendment removing language about airport use of ADS-B data for fees was adopted after sponsors said the issue would be handled in another bill. HB 999 was reported favorably to allow impoundment of out-of-state vehicles operated in Louisiana without liability insurance, and HB 692 was amended to let parishes and municipalities use group purchasing organizations, with a narrowing amendment limiting one-source procurements and assurances that local bidders would not be disadvantaged. The committee also advanced HB 511, creating a grant program for pursuit intervention technology in response to officer safety concerns, and HB 590, which would let OMV issue specialized envelopes or notices for drivers with autism or other disabilities so officers are alerted during traffic stops. HB 503 was reported favorably after a local cleanup change to a golf cart bill for Golden Meadow, and HB 655 was approved to let DOTD use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state-owned ferries. HB 748 clarified that school board-owned or leased vehicles are exempt from tolls, and HB 860 would allow fillable electronic bids for local government procurement. Later, the committee approved HB 896, a major tolling-related cleanup bill for Plaquemines Parish that addresses customer service center access, administrative fees, and exemptions, with members and local officials criticizing the toll structure and its impact on the parish. HB 1000 was reported favorably as a cleanup measure tied to highway priority program reporting and local district contract limits. HB 887 established a more consistent scoring and ranking process for Seymour projects, with an amendment to avoid conflict with changing FAA grant rules. HB 888, a cleanup bill on temporary tags, was amended with added security features and then reported favorably. HB 1086, a broad electronic title and registration modernization bill, received a lengthy amendment set but was voluntarily held over for a week so members could review the new language. The committee also advanced HB 776 to expand the Port Priority Program to larger projects, with amendments clarifying flexibility and removing private projects from the bill. HB 707 was reported favorably to let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry handle promotional activities for the liquefied petroleum gas commission through a cooperative endeavor agreement. HB 868, a farm safety bill requiring safety chains or other manufacturer-specified equipment on trailers, was reported favorably after testimony about a fatal accident and assurances it would not change engineering standards beyond existing manufacturer requirements. Finally, HB 856 was amended to authorize indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting for DOTD maintenance and construction work, then reported favorably, and the committee later corrected the record on HB 856 by reconsidering and withdrawing one technical amendment set so further floor cleanup could be made. The meeting adjourned without objection.