Transcript Highlights:

• She's paying for additional security.
• She's paying for additional security. Why doesn't she And so those questions start to pop up.
• She's paying for additional security. Why doesn't she have it? What is it?
• Homeland Security didn't have any funds to pick up debris.”
• “Homeland Security didn't have any funds to pick up debris.

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Geraldo Lunas Campos was reportedly choked and asphyxiated by security staff.
• Our legislation, our way of government in America is based on a roundhouse, our legislation, our way
• Please pass this legislation. Find the guiding star and latch on to it.
• I don't think that's what legislation is all about.
• What we see is Homeland Security and ICE, both now...

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Joint Legislative Audit Committee is called to order. The Secretary will note the roll.
• Can the agency view live security camera footage?
• The key is that they're making active steps toward that safety and security for their school.
• We offer video security, access control, and smart sensor technology.
• In terms of Homeland Security, we contacted Homeland Security to better understand how to integrate with

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard a presentation from Senator Kevin Payne on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, which he said were inspired by the Parkland and Uvalde shootings and designed to bypass overwhelmed 911 systems through panic-button alerts, live camera access, and direct communication with law enforcement. Committee members broadly praised the concept as a school safety tool, while also noting it should complement, not replace, school resource officers. Senator Payne said the audit had not fully captured the systems’ value and emphasized what he saw in Yavapai County as a successful example. Auditor General Lindsay Perry then summarized the second special audit in the JLAC school safety series, explaining that it reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She noted that 12 of 14 law enforcement agencies had provided follow-up information, while Pinal and La Paz counties had not, and that the committee had requested additional details on participating and non-participating schools. Members pressed Perry about Pinal County’s refusal to respond and about delays in payment to Mutualink, and several members defended the committee’s oversight role. The committee then heard from the vendors. Mutualink’s CEO said the system is intended to connect schools, dispatch, law enforcement, fire, and EMS through live video, floor plans, and group communications, and argued that implementation problems often stem from training, infrastructure, and coordination rather than the technology itself. Motorola Solutions described its work in Maricopa, Yuma, and Tucson, including panic alarms, radio and dispatch integration, and school participation challenges; it said Tucson canceled its contract after schools declined to join. Navigate 360 described its Cochise County project as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented, with ongoing training and support, but acknowledged it did not yet meet all statutory criteria and that two charter schools had opted out. Members repeatedly raised concerns about procurement, inconsistent implementation, rural infrastructure, training, and whether the systems met all statutory requirements, and vendors said they would follow up on those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Jackson moves to discharge from the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military
• SENATOR JACKSON MOVES TO DISCHARGE FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
• Securing back-to-back victories cements the Marlboro Dukes' legacy as a powerhouse in New York State
• SECURING BACK-TO-BACK VICTORIES CEMENTS THE MARLBORO DUKES' LEGACY AS A POWER HOUSE IN NEW YORK STATE
• It would be landmark legislation that would set the tone for the rest of the country.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, approved the journal, and welcomed several guest groups, including Saugerties student government officers, the Marlboro High School boys bowling state champions, a civics group, a National Guard/9-11 responder advocate, family members honoring Salvador Vizcarrondo Jr., architecture professionals, correctional officers and employees, and small business representatives. Members also offered resolutions recognizing Architecture Week, Correctional Officers and Employees Week, and Small Business Week, along with tributes to community leaders and student achievements. The chamber then took up a series of bills on the non-controversial calendar, passing measures on education leave for incarcerated people, utility interconnection study, property tax exemption, alcohol regulation, executive law, school drill requirements, victim sentencing rights, public health, public officers, public authorities, election law, environmental conservation, veterans/homeland security, labor, and other topics. Several bills were laid aside. Some measures drew brief explanations of vote, including concerns about school safety drills, correctional staffing and safety, and a victims’ rights bill that one senator said mirrored an earlier version he had carried. The most extended debate centered on the 21st Century Antitrust Act (Calendar 879), with supporters arguing it would modernize antitrust enforcement against dominant firms, especially big tech, and opponents warning it would create vague standards, invite private lawsuits, and harm small and rural businesses. Another debated bill (Calendar 818) would restrict sharing of utility consumption data with police; supporters framed it as a privacy measure requiring normal legal process, while opponents said it would hinder law enforcement while still allowing state regulators access. Both bills were ultimately restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just last June, we heard the national incident where two Minnesota legislators were murdered and
• were uh murdered Minnesota legislators were uh murdered and<00:08:48.640> and<00:08:49.040>
• what we can do about security measures. what we can do about security measures.
• <00:09:23.839> And<00:09:24.080> this reasonable security measures.
• And this reasonable security measures.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:05 Attendance Roll Call: 00:09 HB 456 Discussion: 02:05 HB 456 Vote: 07:00 HB 136 Discussion: 07:54 HB 136 Vote: 09:36 HB 448 Discussion: 10:28 HB 448 Vote: 13:26 HB 220 Discussion: 14:12 HB 220 Vote: 17:14 HB 213 Discussion: 18:17 HB 213 Vote: 19:19 HB 518 Discussion: 20:23 HB 518 Vote: 23:03 HB 600 Discussion: 24:05 HB 600 Vote: 25:17 Adjournment: 26:32, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Craig Mson. security and so where does this rank in security and so where does this rank in your<00:22
• again uh identity proofing is a security again uh identity proofing is a security measure<00:26:
• . legislation. legislation.
• types of basic needs and security types of basic needs and security related<01:07:33.520> to<
• appreciate you hearing this legislation appreciate you hearing this legislation and<01:08:31.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sure what this legislation sure what this legislation actually<00:15:49.199> monitors.
• that handle high security security-wise that handle high security issues<01:12:29.440> and<01
• <01:12:38.560> Um, national security. Um, national security.
• concerned about with high security. concerned about with high security.
• any legislation. any legislation.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a budget-related issue involving liquor commission enforcement staff and tobacco enforcement funding. A member explained that proposed cuts to “group two” enforcement positions at the liquor commission could jeopardize the tobacco enforcement money that flows to Health and Human Services, and expressed confidence that the enforcement division would ultimately be preserved. The main hearing was on Senate Bill 19, which would modernize hotel and motel statutes by repealing outdated requirements. The sponsor and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the bill would remove obsolete rules such as the old guest book/card system and antiquated posting requirements for room rates and motel signs. Members questioned whether the bill would eliminate the requirement to record guest departure dates or affect inspection rights, and the witnesses said the intent was only to remove the book-and-card reference while leaving the rest of the recordkeeping requirement in place. Supporters argued the rate-posting rules are widely ignored, hard to enforce, and outdated in an era of digital reservations and variable pricing; the committee also discussed whether any consumer-protection purpose remained. The public hearing on SB 19 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 280FN, which would require food delivery services to have an agreement with a restaurant or food retail store before offering delivery from that business. The sponsor said the bill restores a prior law that had sunset and was intended to prevent third-party platforms from listing restaurants without consent. Restaurant industry testimony strongly supported the bill, describing problems with unauthorized listings, delayed deliveries, and reimbursement disputes, and saying the agreement requirement protects restaurant brands and consumer expectations. Members shared examples of delivery problems and voiced support for reinstating the safeguard.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as you know, there's legislation moving.
• We do their network security.
• Obviously, it's a significant piece of legislation.
• And we went and we put legislation out there, requested legislation to amend that to—what about that
• the legislation passed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership. Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind. The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So parents are going to get a false sense of security if you pass legislation like this.
• We are affirming the right of every child to engage with technology in a safe and secure environment,
• This legislation has rare and broad support from both child safety advocates and major tech companies
• All back this solution, agreeing that parents deserve a simple, private, and secure way to manage their
• That cannot be excluded from the conversation when we are considering new legislation.

Bills: HB285, HB317

Keywords: HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, law enforcement, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law, Section 12-12-56, Children and Senior Advocacy, House Judiciary, reasonable effort

Transcript Highlights:

• A signer can be verified through the secure portal.
• A signer can be verified through the secure portal.
• the development of a statewide food security strategy.
• So it's important that we have a dedicated food security office.
• During this transition, food security is foundational.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to run homeless response multidisciplinary teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, while no opposition testified. SB 902 would permit electronic signatures for Child Care and Development Services Act paperwork, with supporters describing the burden of paper processes on working families and noting that paper would remain an option. Both bills were referred onward after committee action. The committee also approved SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability; SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule; and SB 1077, requiring CDSS to develop a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns. Testimony on these measures emphasized fragmented food assistance systems, the need to modernize outdated welfare rules, and the importance of preparing for future federal benefit interruptions. Each bill drew broad support from advocates, local governments, and social service organizations, with no opposition testimony, and each received a due-pass recommendation to the next committee. The committee further advanced SB 1194, which would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand access to immigration legal services in underserved regions, and SB 1201, which would seek federal waivers and other protections to help veterans affected by CalFresh changes and connect applicants with county veterans service officers. Supporters said both bills would fill critical service gaps and strengthen legal and food-security infrastructure. SB 1194 received a 6-1 vote, while SB 1201 passed unanimously. Earlier in the hearing, SB 557 and SB 1051 were approved on consent. The committee then adjourned after recording final roll calls for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am proposing today, because this legislation was triple-referred, I agreed last week to take language
• The legislation also modernizes the eligibility criteria and easement terms, aligning our state's clean
• And obviously, I had my piece of legislation last year, AB 2661, in the efforts to help also farmers
• This bold legislation creates the first statewide land security program, offering a real pathway to sustainability
• AB 675 will secure the future of California's Farm to School program by making it state law.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with extensive discussion focused on balancing agricultural land preservation, water scarcity, renewable energy, and farm equity. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks would update the solar use easement program to allow certain Williamson Act lands facing water constraints to be used for solar projects through a suspension rather than cancellation of contracts. Supporters said the bill could help landowners and local governments adapt to falling water supplies and meet clean energy goals, while opponents, including the Farm Bureau, warned it could weaken Williamson Act protections, expand solar development onto prime farmland, and eliminate cancellation fees that help preserve agricultural land. RCRC said its concerns had largely been addressed through amendments and moved from opposition to support once changes are in print, though committee members continued to raise concerns about prime farmland, community benefits, and definitions of commercial viability and water constraints. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with a later roll call recording six votes in favor and one absent member voting aye. AB 524 by Assembly Member Wilson would create a new state land access program for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, using Proposition 4 funding to provide financial and technical assistance for land acquisition, protection, and long-term leases. Testimony emphasized the lack of secure land tenure for small and underserved farmers, the loss of farmland statewide, and the difficulty of investing in sustainable practices without stable access to land. Committee members strongly supported the measure, with several noting the importance of land access for family farms and equity in agriculture. The bill passed unanimously on an 8-0 vote. The committee also approved AB 675 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify California’s Farm to School program in statute. Supporters said the program connects students to healthy local food, creates stable markets for farmers, and supports agricultural and nutrition education, while helping direct school meal dollars to California producers. Witnesses from the Center for Ecoliteracy and CAFF described the program’s statewide reach and benefits for small farms and high-need schools. The bill passed on an 8-0 vote. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, approving AB 1322 and AB 1505 on an 8-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Warshaw worked with Representative Wilson Anton in drafting the legislation. Thank you, Senator.
• They reflect read. ...and turnout highlighted in this legislation are not just statistics.
• YWCA Delaware urges the committee to vote this legislation out. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Cato.
• And most of the time, a business's operating agreement can override this legislation. Thank you.
• I think the commissioner actually is technically the lead witness on this piece of legislation.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The new FBI security standards require us, or security policy require us to do this.
• Do we need to work on legislation to try and free up some of these officers?
• Do we need to work on legislation to try and free up some of these officers?
• Can you maybe describe a little bit more about what that legislation will do?
• You had mentioned earlier legislation proposed by Senator Simon, at SB. mentioned earlier legislation

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our divisions are very much set up like business divisions: sales, marketing, security, finance.
• /c> up like business divisions sales up like business divisions sales marketing<00:03:56.280> Security
• That's running the security system?
• But, you know, we do need security for the building itself.
• <00:48:43.720> and Standalone pieace of legislation and Standalone pieace of legislation and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and CFO Jim Durus. McIntyre said the Lottery has more than tripled its return to the Education Trust Fund since 2011, from $62 million to $207 million in FY 24, while keeping expenses relatively flat over time. He explained that the Lottery operates like a business, is heavily audited, and that the governor’s budget raises the FY 26-27 revenue estimate to $185 million, up about $12 million annually from prior estimates. He attributed FY 24’s unusually strong results to record Powerball sales driven by a spike in billion-dollar jackpots tied to higher interest rates, and said scratch tickets still make up most gross sales, though Powerball is the highest-margin product. Members questioned the Lottery about the difference between gross revenue and profit, the steep rise in operating expenses, and the reasons for requested budget increases. McIntyre said the main drivers were payroll, benefits, advertising, added regulatory responsibilities from expanded gaming, and a new Salesforce customer-tracking system. He also described requested capital needs, including an outdated security system, building access and ADA improvements, and upgrades to the front office for employee safety. He said the security system is still running on an old Windows 7-based setup and that the requested upgrade would modernize cameras and add redundancy. The discussion also covered staffing and gaming expansion. McIntyre said the Lottery has 84 employees including three commissioners, with 13 funded vacancies, and that it plans to fill positions as two new gaming rooms come online in Rochester and Derry. He said the Lottery’s revenue estimates were revised upward because sports betting in Massachusetts had less impact than expected and historic horse racing machines have been more profitable than forecast. He also explained the governor’s proposal to shift historic horse racing toward slot-style machines, saying the physical machines would look largely the same but the content and math would change, and that the state’s revenue share would increase under the proposal. No votes were taken; the committee mainly asked questions and received explanations about the Lottery’s budget and revenue assumptions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through their economic security initiatives and investments in lifestyle leadership development, they
• Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs, HB 878 by the state
• Person referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs HB 889 by
• Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
• Peace officers refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs HB 903

Transcript Highlights:

• National Security Advisor John Bolton: "I didn't think he was qualified.
• Articles and books on national security, law, and governance.
• The President authorized up to 20,000-plus National Guardsmen and women to secure any security measures
• And Americans' national security.
• In fact, the plain text of the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the security grant—on the security grant, did we go to it?
• Caitlin O'Neill with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Orlando Sanchez-Zavala with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Rachel Ehlers with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• This is Danny Yossum, legislative director at Caltrans.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision proposals for labor, public safety/judiciary, and transportation, and no votes were taken. In Part A on labor, the Employment Development Department reviewed proposals for EDD Next document management system funding, updated UI loan interest costs, disability insurance and paid family leave benefit and administration adjustments, WIOA funding changes, UI administrative and benefit changes, school employee benefit adjustments, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical correction tied to EDD Next. PERB discussed funding tied to AB 28 and AB 1, including litigation-related workload and new jurisdiction over legislative employees. DIR presented proposals for legal unit reclassifications, two major IT modernization projects, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COIA reappropriation, and trailer bill language on electronic assessment payments and the DWC director salary cap. CalHR proposed additional funding for a consolidated employee assistance program contract, and CalPERS and CalSTRS presented budget adjustments tied to investment costs and state contribution changes. Members focused heavily on UI debt and interest payments, asking the administration for a plan to reduce the outstanding loan and relieve employers. Finance said no specific repayment plan was included in the May Revision, while LAO said the state’s UI tax structure is structurally insufficient and that any debt payoff should be paired with tax-system reform. Senators also questioned EDD Next costs and timelines, PERB’s caseload and staffing needs, and DIR’s emerging technologies unit, with LAO noting that the unit would appear focused on physical workplace safety rather than broader AI labor issues. CalHR said the new EAP contract would consolidate services, improve access to clinicians, and lower costs relative to the current model. CalPERS defended higher external management fees as part of a strategy to pursue higher net returns, while some members pressed for more transparency about private investments; CalSTRS said it was not prepared to address investment-strategy questions at this hearing. Public comment in Part A was dominated by advocates urging support for an immigration enforcement emergency relief fund, along with comments supporting the Jails to Jobs proposal, the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, and additional PERB funding. The chair noted that many of the immigration-related requests might fall under other committees and said staff would follow up. In Part B, Finance and LAO outlined judicial branch and DOJ May Revision items, including funding for court interpreter services, appellate court security, lactation room implementation delays, courthouse construction reappropriations, and DOJ budget increases. LAO recommended approving the language-access proposal with a report on reducing interpreter cost growth and reducing the General Fund backfill for state court facilities by $10 million on an ongoing basis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Ed Johnson, Harris County ballot security and self. Hello sir.
• Chair calls Ed Johnson, Harris County ballot security and self. Hello, sir.
• Glenn Youngton secured the nomination and the party quickly unified behind him.
• Chair calls Ed Johnson, Harris County ballot security and self. Hello sir.
• This measure will not make our elections more secure or run more efficiently.

Transcript Highlights:

• You are representing yourself and you are for the legislation. Yeah.
• The Chair calls Ed Johnson with the Harris County Ballot Security.
• but you want to come back and pass legislation to make sure it's not allowed. Mr.
• And if we don't follow them succinctly, it can cause an issue with the legislation.
• This measure will not make our elections more secure or run more efficiently.

Bills: HB376, HB817, HB 1297, HB1478, HB1661, HB1783

Keywords: HB 817, Texas Election Code, majority vote, majority threshold, ranked-choice voting, preferential voting, instant runoff voting, vote reassignment, ballot ranking, election administration, public office election, Election Code Section 2.0215, runoff elections, plurality vs majority, voting systems, education reform, budget allocation, teacher retention, student performance, accountability measures

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Joint Committee on Housing's sixth official hearing this legislative session.
• The administration is supportive of this legislation.
• Soon after, he secured a unit in public housing, and we successfully closed his case.
• Next up, we have Senate 996, 1854, an act to secure housing for returning citizens.
• For 40 years, I have been doing home sharing without a lot of legislative bureaucracy.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools. A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes. The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.