Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, recess for decision making. Calling back the joint HHS-LBT calendar for decision making.
• First up for decision making: SB 447.
• calendar for 120 calendar for decision calendar for 120 calendar for decision making<00:33:17.919
• Decision making for SB 1633 for HHS only.
• at defer decision making to Wednesday at defer decision making to Wednesday at 100<01:24:53.239

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• budget<01:29:08.880> decisions,<01:29:10.000> I As we make difficult budget decisions
• We continue to make very, very bad decisions in this room, and now we're wanting to bail ourselves out
• We continue to make very, very bad decisions in this room, and now we're wanting to bail ourselves out
• We continue to make very, very bad decisions in this room, and now we're wanting to bail ourselves out
• > to appropriate or make that decision not to appropriate or make that decision not to every<04:27

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Members then approved the journal of April 8, 2026, and heard several introductions and tributes, including recognition of Home Education Day in Colorado, a welcome to Sigma Lambda Gamma members, and a reminder about an education luncheon. The chamber then recessed briefly before moving into second reading and floor consideration of bills. The main substantive debate centered on House Bill 1357, which phases out the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program. Supporters said the program serves a relatively small number of students, costs more per student than community college alternatives, and should be wound down so limited state education dollars can go to core services and the school finance formula. Opponents argued the state had promised the program to students who planned their education around it, including some who turned down scholarships, and said the change would harm future teachers and should have been treated as a pause rather than an end. The House adopted an appropriations amendment (L003), withdrew a proposed substitute amendment (L005), and then passed HB 1357 as amended. The House also passed House Bill 1358, which reduces the appropriation for the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant Program by $5.2 million in general fund. The sponsor described it as a grant program supporting community learning centers and math/STEM enrichment, but said funding will end after the following fiscal year and the program must step down so families can seek other services. The bill was adopted without further opposition. Finally, the House considered House Bill 1359, which redirects certain revenue from public school land natural resource removals to the state public school fund rather than the permanent fund, with projected transfers of $25 million in FY 2025-26 and $45 million in FY 2026-27. Supporters said the measure is needed to help balance the budget. An opponent raised concerns about impacts on a constituent ranch lease tied to a proposed green energy project, but the sponsor clarified the bill applies only to royalties and leases on state-owned public school lands. The House then adopted HB 1359.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every day, Americans make decisions that shape their financial future: how to save, how to budget, how
• Every day, Americans make decisions that shape their financial future: how to save, how to budget, how
• board and the FirstNet Authority, ensuring that public safety professionals remain at the core of decision-making
• We've got to think through the impact of when politicians make decisions about health care and not physicians
• WE'VE GOT TO THINK THROUGH THE IMPACT OF WHEN POLITICIANS MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT HEALTH CARE AND NOT PHYSICIANS

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You get paid, and then you make your decision in terms of where that money goes.
• And so at this time, because our warehouse lease is up on June 30th, we had to go ahead and make a decision
• Sometimes we do have to control adults and people who are not making good decisions in order to protect
• Panel, which would reflect community values, making those decisions like— those are their children.
• And it's not one parent making the decision; it's a panel of parents.

Bills: SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843

Keywords: lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• We keep those funds liquid for you so that they can still be appropriated out based on your good decision-making
• And so that was also, in terms of the Industrial Commission members and decision-making around capping
• If we have the deposits and even if the outlook for deposits improves, then we can make managerial decisions
• We score those in coordination with Water, the Department of Transportation, us, PFA, and then make decisions
• They make those decisions on qualifications and who to bring forward as far as having the ability to

Summary: The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia. Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash. Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• EAs make us look good. They make the Capitol run.
• It does not make Oklahoma a top 10 state; it does not make this a better place.
• order to make that industry flourish.
• Cheaper, that makes our steaks cheaper.
• Going to make those decisions, just like smart businessmen had to make the unfortunate decision to move

Bills: HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346

Keywords: tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• specific weapons platforms, the timing of operations, or anything having to do with senior leader decision-making
• That makes me feel good.
• Very important decision.
• Um, the F 15 ex seems to make a make a lot of sense there. But, um But, Dr.
• But CONUS, I don't think that makes any sense. But that was the decision.

Keywords: Air Force modernization, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, air superiority, national security, recapitalization

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.

Transcript Highlights:

• make me feel alienated.
• There's nothing wrong with making a mistake.
• decisions that are very critical.
• today, the lack of definitions in this bill will only create more chaos, like I saw in April, for decision-making
• Just make sure this will go to the floor.

Bills: SB2972, SB1909, SB2815, SB735, SB2233, SB800, SB1069, SB2683, SB2986, SB2058, SB2310, SB2055, SB1032

Keywords: expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, antisemitism, public institutions, disciplinary policy, student organizations, compliance, institutional policy, disciplinary sanctions, diploma designation, institution merger, academic records, student options, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, genocide education

Transcript Highlights:

• And before you make your presentation, can you make sure you introduce yourself and then whoever is beginning
• successfully enabling the large-scale transformation by performing critical activities, challenging decision-making
• I'm not trying to make anybody the bad guy here.
• This is a political decision, and not a policy decision.
• We can't afford this, but I know you did not make the decision, you're just so.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• include instruction on sexual activity, behavior, contraception, abortion procedures, or reproductive decision-making
• support services, or provide recommendations for temporary modification of parenting time or legal decision-making
• We need to have people that are informed and make the best decisions for all of our children.
• HB 2086 helps ensure individuals have the ability to make these decisions without mandates while still
• HB 2086 helps ensure individuals have the ability to make these decisions without mandates while still

Bills: HB2035, HB2086, HB2434, HB2611, HB2732, HB2733, HB2830, HB2923, HB2932, HB4004

Keywords: kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix on its new tuition-free, three-year regional medical school branch in Yuma, which is intended to address Arizona’s primary care shortage by training students in a rural setting and linking them to rural residency opportunities. Members asked about who could apply, whether out-of-state applicants were eligible, and whether graduates would be required to remain in rural Arizona; the presenter said there is no post-graduation practice commitment, but the program is designed to encourage retention through rural training and residency placement. The committee then considered several child welfare and behavioral health bills. HB 2923 would expand judicial review procedures for court-ordered mental health treatment, adding timelines, notice, counsel protections, and a clear-and-convincing standard for continued treatment; the sponsor and a retired judge said it fills gaps in a 1974 statute. HB 2035 would expand kinship foster care to extended family members, require more notice and written findings when kin placement is denied, and strengthen presumptions favoring placement with relatives or other significant adults; DCS said the bill largely reflects current policy but raised a timing concern about a required report before preliminary protective hearings. HB 2611 would create a Youth Safety Rights and Mental Health Protection Act for foster youth and group homes, adding rights related to immediate and unbiased health care, anti-bullying protections, retaliation safeguards, drug screening, and safety rules; foster youth and former foster youth testified strongly in support, while DCS was neutral and noted possible implementation and fiscal impacts. The committee also heard HB 4004, which would require DCS to investigate credible abuse or neglect reports even when one parent is considered protective, and to take protective action when warranted. Several parents testified that DCS had previously closed or minimized cases because a protective parent existed, leaving children exposed to abuse; DCS did not testify against the bill, and members later said the agency should not use the presence of a safe parent as a reason not to investigate. The committee also considered pharmacy and AHCCCS-related bills: HB 2434 would revise the controlled substances prescription monitoring program and reporting requirements; HB 2732 would continue the State Board of Pharmacy; HB 2733 would make several pharmacy regulation changes including delivery, continuing education, and change-of-ownership rules; and HB 2932 would require AHCCCS contractors to reimburse noncontracting labs referred by contracting providers, which health plans opposed as undermining managed care tools while a lab provider argued it would improve fair payment and competition. On the floor, the committee also took up HB 2086, which would prohibit government and business mask and vaccination mandates, HB 2830, which would require instruction on fetal and prenatal development and bar abortion-related curriculum materials, and HB 2035, HB 2434, HB 2611, HB 2732, HB 2733, HB 2923, HB 2932, and HB 4004. Amendments were adopted on several bills, including HB 2086, HB 2611, HB 2830, and HB 2932. Final committee votes gave HB 2035, HB 2086, HB 2434, HB 2611, HB 2732, HB 2733, HB 2830, HB 2923, HB 2932, and HB 4004 do-pass recommendations, with HB 2086, HB 2611, HB 2830, and HB 2932 reported as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• meet-and-confer options fosters better communication, transparency, and morale by giving deputies a voice in decision-making
• . ...decisions that affect their work and community.
• This bill brings frontline deputies and support staff to the decision-making table on matters such as
• It doesn't make a difference; sometimes it starts on Thursday. Every weekend.
• counties would be required to hold a public hearing ensuring community input and openness in the decision-making

Bills: HB1597, HB2364, HB2437, HB3205, HB3253, HB3310, HB3648, HB3906, HB4259, HB5645

Keywords: county jailer, jail training, veterans, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, TCOLE, criminal justice system, county jail, law enforcement training, mental health training, jail standards, correctional officers, veteran services, veteran interaction, occupations code, jailer licensing, parking, county courthouse, infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Those decisions are made by others in the justice system.
• And so along the way, we have been making progress.
• It just makes it more difficult to do things well.
• I just want to make sure that is. Thank you.
• those decisions.

Summary: The committee met on July 15, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so it could not adopt prior minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and new JLARC staff, and noted national recognition for recent JLARC reports. The meeting then moved into a series of preliminary audit presentations and an agency strategic management update, with committee members asking questions after each item. JLARC presented a preliminary audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Staff concluded that crowding, staffing shortages, weak risk assessments, and inconsistent programming combine to create unsafe conditions. The report found that most youth are housed in two large secure facilities operating near or above capacity, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessment tools are not valid for the population, and program access depends more on facility than individual need. JLARC made one recommendation to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF, including improving retention, training, incident response procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, and data quality. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the agency agreed overcrowding is a serious problem, described ongoing efforts to improve staffing and safety, and said a detailed response would be provided later. Committee members raised concerns about education access, retaliation against staff or youth who participated in the audit, and whether JR-25 has helped or worsened conditions. JLARC then presented a preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. The audit found that L&I generally meets inspection timelines for health and safety complaints, but not for wage and hour or retaliation complaints, where delays are driven largely by time before assignment to an investigator. Staff said complaint volume exceeds capacity, though the agency has added staff, created screening processes, and reorganized workloads, and 2026 legislation now allows prioritization of complaints and broader investigations. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. An L&I representative said the agency is hiring additional staff and will provide a formal response later. The committee also received a JLARC overview and Department of Health strategic management plan update on hospital data reporting, inspections, complaints, and adverse event reporting. DOH reported measurable progress on inspection compliance, new staffing and licensing systems, translated complaint forms, and plans for future work on language access, adverse event reporting, and financial data dashboards. After lunch, JLARC began its 2026 tax preference performance reviews. The first review covered the Main Street tax credit, which JLARC said has helped increase the number of Main Street communities and businesses, with positive growth near designated districts; JLARC recommended continuing the preference and improving business-count data. The second review covered the equitable access to credit program, which JLARC said appears to support underserved communities by funding loans through CDFIs; JLARC recommended continuing the preference beyond its 2027 expiration. The committee began questions on the program mechanics and the role of the Community Reinvestment Act, and the presentation was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the ultimate decision, but they'll be held.
• that just from the perspective of being able to offer them the same suite of of services in their decision-making
• the expertise to help agencies make appropriate decisions by having really that consultant team on procurement
• The humble suggestion would make is we sort of try to develop like, like how 9,000 to make a like a gale
• We're not making those decisions.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cuts are not the only decision we can make.
• Cuts are not the only decision we can make.
• Cuts are not the only decision we can make.
• I'm really urging folks to help encourage members to make different decisions.
• We can make different decisions, and I want the public to help us push us there.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• good decisions and should trust the experts...
• Are there any comments you'd like to make?
• We just want to make... ...association, but we just want to make sure that they do what's best.
• If you're divorced or pregnant, you make all your own medical decisions.
• If you're emancipated, you make all your own... emancipated, you make all your own medical decisions.

Bills: SB87, HB491, SB43, SB101

Keywords: midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, HB491, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school lunch, cafeteria, artificial dyes, food additives, food coloring, synthetic dyes, Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40

Transcript Highlights:

• That's part of what leads to predictable decisions. And so.
• It's important for us, as a group of 10, to make sure we harmonize our decisions and really produce a
• And based on that, I make my own decision every morning as to what I. because I'm not going to rely on
• someone else to make that decision for me. looking at what the crime was, obviously, and how.
• I think being willing to make the decisions and being willing to stay late and get there early if that's

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So even if we were to work diligently and prepare to make any changes, um, I certainly understand the
• to make that bad decision. parenting for any any parents out there parenting for any any parents out
• And you don't know everything that happens in the circumstances where parents make the decision to withhold
• parents make the decision to withhold. parents make the decision to withhold. and<00:12:37.360><
• I I'll make that motion. >> Second. I I'll make that motion.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Decision-making is distributed across the board, the commissioner, and the institutional presidents,
• The quicker we can get the data and the quicker it can inform decision-making, the greater the trust
• And respondents noted the pace of higher education decision-making versus the speed of market shifts
• These decisions need to be made. They're unpopular decisions to make at the campus level.
• And you could start making decisions like, okay, what are the most critical pieces now that we need to

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have argued time and again on this House floor that Congress is not equipped to be making medical decisions
• I have argued time and again on this House floor that Congress is not equipped to be making medical decisions
• I have argued time and again on this House floor that Congress is not equipped to be making medical decisions
• We need to make this decision about this amendment not based on rhetoric but on reality, and the reality
• In moments of crisis, first responders are called upon to make split-second decisions under extraordinary

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the situation to them, but also making sure that, you know, they are making right decisions and hopefully
• I make a decision whether consideration, I make a decision whether or<00:59:12.560> not<00:59
• We'll be moving on to our 10:30 agenda, which is a decision-making-only agenda.
• <01:25:05.520> Uh<01:25:05.800> we a decision-making only agenda.
• Uh we a decision-making only agenda.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented. Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character. Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.