Transcript Highlights:

• IN REGARDS TO PROPERTY TAXES IT REQUIRES A STUDY OF FLORIDA'S PROPERTY TAX BY THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC
• AND OUR MEMBERS ALSO THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO INCLUDE THE MILLAGE ASPECT IN THE STUDY.
• FOR ME THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS BILL IS THE EDR STUDY.
• HAVING A STUDY THAT WOULD LOOK AT THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON THE COST TO OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVING A
• BUT THE STUDY IS GOING TO BE MORE MORE CRITICAL AS TIME GOES ON SO IN THOSE REASONS I'M IN SUPPORT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• studies, impact studies, and so those are typically done in the region.
• We don't conduct those studies; we typically fund those studies, and then those studies are used for
• In 2016, a preliminary study was conducted.
• Since 1987, how many studies have been done?
• As far as studies go? Yeah, just flood mitigation studies.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those sections were addressed in other legislation. And I do have a couple witnesses here.
• So members, I've also filed this legislation, Senate Bill 2781. It's in amendment format here.
• The findings suggested that the legislation has had significant economic... It's interesting.
• The correction in the study claims that nearly $700 million in economic losses were entirely moot.
• . $6.38 per $1,000 of bond issues, not $12.30 as claimed in the study.

Bills: SB312, SB945, SB946, SB1367, SB1861, SB2044, SB2337, SB2403, SB2819, SJR54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 945, 946, 2044, 2819, 2403, 2337, and 312, with all bills left pending after testimony. SB 945 would restrict insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage based on oil and gas activity or ESG-related goals, and supporters argued it would protect Texas energy producers from politically motivated shareholder activism and insurance discrimination. SB 946 would bar creditors from using social credit, ESG, DEI, or religious/political affiliation as a basis for denying or limiting credit; witnesses said it would prevent viewpoint-based financial discrimination and protect access to capital for Texas businesses. SB 2337 would require proxy advisory firms to disclose when recommendations are based on non-financial factors or when they give conflicting advice to different clients; supporters said the measure would increase transparency and curb ESG-driven influence over shareholder voting. SB 312 would direct public retirement systems to focus on financial returns rather than social or political objectives, with the author saying the bill responds to activist pressure on pensions and would reinforce fiduciary duty. The committee also took up election and ethics measures. SB 2044 would strengthen electioneering restrictions for publicly funded education institutions and personnel, prohibiting use of official resources to promote political agendas; testimony focused on alleged school district electioneering in bond and tax elections. SB 2819 would prohibit county elections administrators from holding certain officer positions appointed by elected officials, addressing potential conflicts of interest. SB 2403, the Texas Ethics Commission sunset bill, would restructure complaint handling with a three-tier violation system, risk-based complaint prioritization, longer response times, bipartisan preliminary review panels, and expanded hearing options; members discussed amendments aimed at dismissing minor complaints, clarifying categories, and adjusting lobbying and penalty provisions, but the amendments were withdrawn during committee consideration. Across the ESG and finance bills, invited witnesses from the American Energy Institute, Heartland Impact, Consumers Research, ADF Action, Texas Civil Justice League, and related groups generally supported the measures, arguing that banks, insurers, proxy advisors, and asset managers have used ESG or reputational-risk standards to discriminate against energy, agriculture, firearms, and religious organizations. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt, and the committee closed public testimony on each bill and left them pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Legislative Counsel with the Division of Legislative Services.
• I'm Legislative Council with the Division of Legislative Services.
• This work group, as Marvie mentioned, was created by 2025 legislation.
• The legislative session was also a barrier to meeting.
• And as a legislator, I appreciate good data.

Keywords: Commission on Unemployment Compensation, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A traffic study with local input is required so that there be a traffic impact study paid for by the
• the outcome of that traffic study. the outcome of that traffic study.
• > vehicles This legislation also requires vehicles This legislation also requires vehicles to<
• 32.840> just<00:43:33.000> because to move legislation just because to move legislation
• language into the final legislation. language into the final legislation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The intent of the study, as I understand it, was to study the relationship between water and power usage
• Bad data, bad study, and everything, right?
• I don't know if we can legislate that or make a policy of that.
• And if you were to work on legislation, I would say work to legislate at least the silver standard, You
• We must make more restrictions and time to study the existing...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation...
• What you are trying to legislate are autonomy rights.
• The National Council on Disability study found that assistance, The National Council on Disability study
• It is crucial that we take action on this legislation.
• In one study, only 6% of psychiatrists... ...illnesses.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on bills in three areas: emergency medical services/AED access, athletic training and student safety, and end-of-life options. Committee chairs outlined testimony rules and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Some bills had no live witnesses, while others drew extensive testimony from advocates, professionals, and legislators. On AED-related bills, the American Heart Association supported requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events and athletic fields, citing sudden cardiac arrest survival rates and urging cardiac emergency response plans as an added safeguard. A parks and recreation professional supported AED access but raised concerns about the cost, staffing, maintenance, and feasibility for municipalities with limited resources. Athletic trainers supported expanding their scope of practice and removing workplace restrictions, arguing it would improve injury prevention, reduce costs, and help retain professionals in Massachusetts. The committee also took extensive testimony on end-of-life options legislation. Supporters included legislators, physicians, hospice volunteers, clergy, patients’ family members, and advocacy groups, who described the bills as allowing terminally ill, mentally capable adults to choose a peaceful death with strict safeguards and self-administration requirements. They emphasized personal stories of suffering, public support, and the claim that other states have not seen abuse. Opponents, including faith-based, disability-rights, and family policy representatives, argued the bills amount to physician-assisted suicide, could pressure vulnerable people, and may be influenced by prognosis errors, coercion, or financial incentives. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Budget includes dollars $250,000 for the feasibility study.
• That's not legislation is full of intent, right?
• And again, this is a great piece of legislation.
• I'm running this legislation.
• Chair SB 936, statewide study on automation.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation... ...the Cost Recovery Fund.
• That's what the legislation does. Level, that's what the legislation does.
• Committee, I called my 911 director, and he absolutely supports this legislation.
• This legislation...
• In fact, I started studying it while getting my PhD just up the... ...studying it, getting my PhD just

Bills: HB30, HB263, HB357, HB359, SB60, SB102, HB30

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• consistent with the existing legislation consistent with the existing legislation and<00:30:40.559
• So when you look at the legislation So when you look at the legislation moving<00:44:09.280>
• > legislation, different legislation, different legislation, uh,<03:55:47.359> the<03:55
• >> Well, we would do the study. We work with ISO New England to do the study.
• introducing this legislation. introducing this legislation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you all know, there was significant legislation coming out of the 89th legislative session focused
• As you all know, there was significant legislation coming out of the 89th legislative session focused
• There was also significant legislation coming out of the 89th legislative session focused on addressing
• You're talking about legislators, different legislators elsewhere, having committees and working groups
• I'm here today to urge you to prioritize legislation during the 90th legislative session that establishes

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And judiciary has their different systems, and so does the legislative branch as well.
• I'm going To share my story today to share that this memorial is more than a legislative text.
• I know before with other bills and legislation that has never been approached before, and they would
• , where I mean this would be a great PhD study or a master's thesis.
• This particular piece of legislation is coming from our constituents.

Bills: SM13, SM14

Keywords: land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:17.599> We said we need a study committee. We said we need a study committee.
• <00:08:14.479> Uh next year if they still need a study.
• Uh next year if they still need a study.
• So, I was just going to legislation.
• This will take 10 to 6, inexpedient to legislate.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a Fulbright scholar from Turkey pursuing her Ph.D. in child study and human development.
• And actually in that legislation are certain examples of how we recommend civic education be taught.
• And so this is something that we are studying every day.
• And then... ...important to studying the trend and getting the precise threshold.
• This needs to be more than a testimony: legislators, legacy organizations, state departments.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, approval of the May 5 minutes, and opening remarks thanking commissioners and the public for their attendance. The commission then heard testimony from former Ambassador Alan Solomont, who argued that antisemitism is rising in multiple forms, including white nationalist antisemitism and antisemitism tied to anti-Israel rhetoric after October 7. He said campus antisemitism should be addressed with nuance, distinguishing protected political speech from conduct that targets Jewish students, and warned against weaponizing antisemitism to attack higher education, civil liberties, or federal research funding. He urged the commission to use multiple definitions and frameworks, including IHRA, Nexus, and the Jerusalem Declaration, and to focus on campus-specific solutions, civic education, and civil discourse. Commissioners asked him about Tufts’ antisemitism training, the role of the federal government, the use of the IHRA definition, and how to improve civic education; he emphasized local campus responses, broader civics instruction, and protecting democracy and due process. The second major witness was Professor David Weber of Boston University, who testified on the BDS movement and anti-BDS laws. He described BDS as a campaign targeting Israeli businesses, universities, and institutions, and argued it functions as a propagandistic and discriminatory effort that fuels antisemitism and chills dialogue on campuses and in public life. He cited examples such as SodaStream, Ben & Jerry’s, and Brown University, and said anti-BDS laws in 37 states have been effective and constitutional because they regulate government economic activity rather than suppress speech. Weber urged Massachusetts to adopt an anti-BDS statute or executive order, saying the state’s large Jewish population and economic ties to Israel make the issue especially important. Commissioners questioned him about which states have such laws, the impact on dialogue and campus culture, possible legal frameworks, and whether BDS is really aimed at the Israeli government or at individuals and institutions; he maintained that BDS targets people and entities connected to Israel and that anti-BDS measures can help draw a line against illiberal conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that includes some state legislation that is operating as barriers as well.
• Let me say that again: 90% job placement in the field of study.
• Studies.
• Studies.
• Michael Willer, Chair of Liberal Studies for California State University, Los Angeles. Welcome.

Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was one of the findings of this study. State Flood Plan.
• So through the fifth, we fund regional studies, impact studies.
• And so those studies, we don't conduct those studies. We typically fund those.
• It was based on a study, a preliminary engineering study from 2016 that UGRA performed with the city
• As far as studies go? Yeah, just flood mitigation studies.

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's kind of what that study was.
• We were directed to do a study, an efficiency study and process it from, so we did that with the University
• Corey Sharp: ...the legislative budget board.
• Haley Ewing with the Legislative Budget Board.
• Haley Ewing with the Legislative Budget Board.

Bills: SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• for a a study. for a a study.
• previous legislation from going forward? previous legislation from going forward?
• The South Dakota<04:57:06.718> legislation Dakota legislation Dakota legislation eliminates<04
• And study after study shows that money.
• . legislate. legislate.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I chaired the HB 458 study commission, which was a commission to study the assessing of power
• generation, and it was the third iteration of that study commission.
• generated in the 16 hours of study generated in the 16 hours of study commission<00:35:58.960>
• This legislation would allow that towns.
• c> went<00:44:00.880> into And if this legislation went into And if this legislation went

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 302, which would allow the state treasurer to invest public funds in precious metals and digital assets. The sponsor was not present, so Representative Urs introduced the bill briefly and said he did not know much about it. No one from the Treasury Department testified, and members repeatedly noted the treasurer’s absence. Susan Elme testified against the bill, arguing that these investments are highly volatile and contrary to the treasury’s duty to remain stable and liquid. She said the bill should be killed. In questioning, she estimated the 5% cap in the bill would amount to roughly $10 million, depending on available funds, and said such investing would be more appropriate for an individual day trader than for the state treasury. Members also discussed prior legislative experience with Bitcoin-related proposals and raised concerns about whether the treasury had the staff expertise to manage commodity or digital asset investing. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, it agreed to hold a work session and seek additional information from the treasurer, with a plan to revisit the bill on April 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to study it.
• So you want to study the feasibility of occupational accident insurance coverage or possibly mandating
• I would like to comment on some of the history of this particular legislation.
• I would like to comment on some of the history of this particular legislation.
• The state was facing litigation over this exact type of legislation.

Keywords: 974, senate, all