Transcript Highlights:

• current law, workers' comp coverage says that your independent ownership, you do not have to pay the fees
• current law, workers' comp coverage says that your independent ownership, you do not have to pay the fees
• Under current law, COP coverage says that your independent ownership, you do not have to pay the fees
• penalties and attorney fees.
• So, and I like the creativity in terms of the creative way that you guys create the funding structure

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee met on March 14 and adopted the prior minutes. It voluntarily deferred Senate Bill 358, which would have addressed workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors and sole-proprietor subcontractors. Senator Abraham said the bill would instead be studied to determine whether such workers should be able to buy occupational accident coverage or be required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, particularly where no employees are involved. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand and clarify workers’ compensation petition requirements and broaden employers’ and payers’ ability to file disputed claims beyond fraud and medical-director appeals to other disputes under the chapter. The bill drew strong support from business groups and strong opposition from injured-worker attorneys, who argued it would revive problems seen in 2012 when employers could sue injured workers without a ripe dispute, burden unrepresented claimants, and increase litigation and administrative costs. Supporters said it would improve access to the courts and help employers investigate questionable claims. After debate, the committee voted 5-1 to report HB 456 favorably, with Senator Barrow voting no. The committee also heard House Bill 549, which creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, or Bayou Works, a proposed statewide workforce training grant program aimed at helping employers quickly train workers for specific skill needs. The sponsor and Louisiana Workforce Commission representatives said it would be privately funded, modeled on Michigan’s “Going Pro” program, and coordinated with technical colleges, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce partners. Members asked about statewide reach, youth pipeline efforts, and timing; the department said implementation would likely begin later next year. The committee reported HB 549 favorably by unanimous consent and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for fee-for-service, of course, fee-for-service is our smaller program, largely served by Native
• changes in terms of the structure.
• Is it going to encompass both kind of the fee-for-service Medicaid and managed care Medicaid?
• Medicaid programs to both fee-for-service and managed care.
• I thought it requires PBMs to pay a $15 per enrolling fee to fund its administration and fund grants,

Transcript Highlights:

• EXEMPTS THE STUDY AREA ON THE EVERGLADES PROTECTION AREA FOR LIVE ACTIVE ELEMENT, VERIZON ATTORNEY FEE
• THEY ARE STILL PROTECTED BECAUSE IT REMAINS ON THE PROPERTY AND IT CAN RECOVER FEES FOR OVERREACHING
• OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ABILITY TO ENACT FEES.
• THEY ADD IN IN ADDITION TO OUR 25 PERCENT SURCHARGE FEE.
• WASTE ENERGY IS CRITICAL OF A STRUCTURE FOR FLORIDA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe the existing W&M system provides a structured and fair process for managing water resources
• It's a percentage-based fee, so as soon as the Maui operators do... making sure that money goes from
• fee fee so<01:41:34.920> as<01:41:35.040> soon<01:41:35.199> as<01:41:35.800>
• Um, so yeah, I mean, I think there’s, you know, people add fees whether it’s, you know, service fees
• whether it's you know service add fees whether it's you know service fees<01:45:29.960> through

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 347 relating to goats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments and said its Division of Forestry and Wildlife was available to answer questions. Testimony on the bill was largely opposed, with speakers arguing it would amount to a “free-for-all” rather than game management and urging deferral. DLNR responded that bag limits can be adjusted by area and game management unit under adaptive management rules, and that hunters typically take out their catch. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1278, on which DLNR testified in support. The record in the excerpt does not include discussion of the bill’s substance beyond the department’s support, and no action or vote is shown. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 144, relating to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and proposed exemptions from Sunshine Law requirements during the transition period. The authority’s vice chair testified that the body is a startup agency with a complex transition from the University and needs to be able to discuss strategic planning, operational formation, and other day-to-day matters with more than two members present. Opponents, including the Public First Law Center, Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, and community members, argued the bill would cut the public out of the deliberative process, allow decisions to be hashed out in private, and set a poor transparency precedent. One testifier also raised cultural and environmental concerns about Mauna Kea. Committee members questioned whether existing law and narrower guardrails could address the authority’s concerns, and the authority said it had already proposed a narrower alternative but the bill returned in similar form. The excerpt ends before any final committee action on HB 144 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ALSO DO NOT HAVE A SPECIFIC MATH COMPONENT THAT THE HOUSE HAS REGARDING A TIERED SUPPORT STRUCTURE
• SIMILAR TO OUR READING PROGRAM THAT WE'VE NOT YET COME TO AGREEMENT ON THAT SAID STRUCTURE BUT DO FIND
• Calatayud: THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION SENATOR AS WE CURRENTLY STRUCTURED THE AMENDMENT TO THE SCHOOL
• CHAIR, THIS AMENDMENT CAPS THE GUARDIAN TRAINING FEES OF THE COST TO THE SHERIFF AND REPLACES THE REQUIREMENT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This policy will allow home birth providers to access 70% of what hospital bill for facility fees.
• what hospital bill for facility fees what hospital bill for facility fees this<01:10:55.640>
• We need to raise the professional fee for midwives so we can pay our bills.
• We cannot afford to survive off the global fee of $1,300 per birth, or $1,380 to be exact.
• If the starting fee is approximately $1,300, from which the average $500 assisting fee is deducted right

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• structural safety and health building structural safety and health building standards<00:12:07.600>
• quick is that um that uh this structure quick is that um that uh this structure I<00:21:22.960><
• And I is currently structured right now.
• were not a part of that structured deal. were not a part of that structured deal.
• Uh next historic<01:08:19.440> structure<01:08:19.839> rehabilitation historic structure

Transcript Highlights:

• Our programs are very well structured. We want to make a positive, rewarding experience.
• have a minimum enforcement authority granted to them under SGMA, which includes the ability to impose fees
• we do not currently have the same authority available to many other GSAs in California to enforce fees
• these trees and new seedlings, which are now a burden to me and the neighboring houses, by creating a fee-free
• By creating a fee-free relocation permit for up to 10 trees, SB 1061 provides a path to balance environmental

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights. Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote. Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• By keeping license fees and compliance costs reasonable so farmers can compete and thrive, clarify our
• Flawless blueprint on how we've been able to structure and create the type of testing and protocols that
• Representative Cain, do the fees for the research...
• fee, which is designed to help fund the program.
• Don't want to pay those fees; that cuts in our bottom line, never want to do it.

Bills: HB147

Keywords: government contracting, business program, discrimination, state procurement, equity, underutilized businesses

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard several bills, all of which were left pending. HB 1113, by Rep. Cain, would update Texas hemp law to keep state rules aligned with federal changes, require timely rule amendments by the Department of Agriculture, and create hemp research permits for universities and nonprofits. Supporters from the Texas Hemp Coalition said it would improve research, licensing, testing, and enforcement while helping the industry stay compliant and competitive; the author said the bill was intended to reward good actors and deter bad ones. HB 1203, by Rep. Gonzalez, would create an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity and coordinate local food access efforts. Gonzalez said the office would build on a prior Department of Agriculture study and help connect farmers, agencies, schools, and local governments; members asked about the fiscal note, consumer costs, and whether the office would overlap with existing programs. HB 1269, HB 1276, and HB 1277 focused on plant disease and pest prevention, including a grant program and studies to identify gaps and track outbreaks. Gonzalez emphasized the need for a more intentional state response, citing crop losses from pests and a recent cotton disease outbreak in his district. HB 1437 would create a pollinator task force to address threats to Texas honeybees and related pollination industries. A Texas Beekeepers Association witness described major recent colony losses, emerging threats such as mites and hornets, and the need to bring agencies and researchers together; Gonzalez noted prior work adding a bee specialist at AgriLife Extension. Finally, HB 147, by Chairman Guillen, would modernize cattle brand registration by moving it to an electronic system at the Texas Animal Health Commission while keeping county clerks involved. Supporters said it would improve efficiency, accuracy, and access for ranchers and law enforcement, while an opponent warned about possible electronic tracking implications and costs for small producers. The committee took no final votes and adjourned after leaving HB 147 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• last dollar award, and it's designed to cover any remaining balance of eligible tuition and mandatory fees
• be enrolled in a program or course of study leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. mandatory fees
• after other scholarships, mandatory fees after other scholarships, grants,<00:02:33.520> stipends
• be eligible for NSP base but not be a recipient of NSP base because the total of their tuition and fees
• the enrollment intensity of the students who attend each type of institution, and the tuition and fees

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but I want to make sure I understand what we're trying to do here structurally. Okay.
• Um, or is it more of just a structural cleanup? Just kind of want to get your take on it.
• There's a structural conflict of interest that I think deserves an honest conversation, though.
• Well, we're changing the structure. It had the executive branch in it.
• , >> Well, we're changing the structure, >> Well, we're changing the structure, changing

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For students at concerts, where tickets and parking fees alone are enough to break the bank, paying steep
• For students at concerts, where tickets and parking fees alone are enough to break the bank, paying steep
• 00:09:53.000> tickets<00:09:53.519> and<00:09:53.720> parking<00:09:54.000> fees
• concerts where tickets and parking fees concerts where tickets and parking fees alone<00:09:54.839
• The way it is structured, their options.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A common regulatory structure is obviously more efficient than having some entities...
• way; it was written to be totally permissive, allowable, and it'll pay for itself in the process of fees
• It also adds a structure in case of a disaster to a great deal.

Bills: HB68, HB140, HB168

Keywords: foreign investment, agriculture, property rights, critical infrastructure, sanctions, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates, wastewater management, Alabama utilities, Jefferson County Board of Health

Transcript Highlights:

• We do, Fee for the proper storage of electric vehicles that have been involved in an accident.
• So if I'm getting... ...individuals for, I guess, a safe storage fee, if that makes sense.
• sure that those higher fees were warranted.
• They don't need three times the fee because they have plenty of room.
• They must set an administrative fee for electric vehicles.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 1362 on advanced air mobility. Senator Harrell described the bill as creating a framework for vertiports and eVTOL operations, including DOT oversight, vertiport licensing, preemption of local design and operational regulation, and limited liability protections. An amendment was adopted that removed the bill’s sales tax exemptions and narrowed the sovereign immunity language so it would apply only to vertiports co-located at airports, aligning the bill more closely with the House companion. Supporters from eVTOL companies praised Florida’s leadership and the regulatory clarity, while the Florida Justice Association urged caution about extending immunity to unproven entities. The committee then reported the bill favorably. The committee next considered SB 260 on storage and cleanup of electric vehicles after crashes. An amendment narrowed the bill to EVs with visible battery or battery-compartment damage or saltwater submersion, clarified that the fee applies to storage rather than towing, and tied the proposal to existing fire marshal rules requiring damaged EVs to be stored away from structures. Insurance and rental-car industry representatives supported the narrowed approach but asked for more data reporting, clearer limits on cleanup language, and safeguards against overcharging or cost shifting. The bill was debated as a response to the space and safety burdens placed on tow operators, and it was reported favorably after amendment. The committee also approved SB 1352, which creates a secure online portal for license plate seizure/confiscation processing, allows disabled veterans to retain their DV plate alphanumeric designation, authorizes immediate issuance of DV plates by tax collectors, bans license plate covers/overlays that obscure plates, and routes online driver license/ID renewals to the customer’s county tax collector with service fees remitted accordingly. SB 1370 was reported favorably as well; it closes a loophole so drivers who never had a license can still be treated similarly to suspended-license offenders for habitual traffic offender purposes after repeated offenses. Finally, the committee considered SB 1220, FDOT’s transportation package, which included updates to trail prioritization, SunTrail materials and sponsorships, seaport and airport resilience planning, drone delivery and personnel delivery device provisions, LiDAR coordination, turnpike toll programming changes, and felony penalties for damaging autonomous vehicles. An amendment removed some provisions, including digital driver license authorization and the rapid rail transit compact, and added advanced air mobility corridor language and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel revenue impacts; after support from several stakeholders, the committee reported the bill favorably and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we set up the program, for example, we gave OES primary responsibility over the fee, which at the
• As a large purchaser, self-funding allows for... ...fee-for-service payment model.
• Our quality data shows a significant improvement relative to fee-for-service benchmarks.
• CalOptima is unique because its governance structure has been codified into state statute.
• That is why the structure was changed to include two county supervisors.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've looked at our current structure and looked to see what we would potentially need.
• It's an ownership structure that has that. We also hear a lot about conflicts of interest.
• Material change to ownership, operations, or governance structure.
• Do we know how much the fee is? page list of fees and the civil practice and remedies.
• Facilities fees or it would be our costs.

Bills: HB5141, HB4638, HB2264, HB2035, HB4813, HB4408, HB2684, HB1621, HB2300, HB216, HB3829, HB4466, HB1747, HB2284, HB3614, HB2587, HB3219, HB3318, HB5147, HB4014, HB216

Keywords: lease, state property, public purpose, Travis County, Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical initiative, drug distribution, healthcare services, generic drugs, advanced pharmaceuticals, cost savings, mental health, patient discharge, medical records, health care professionals, substance use, family involvement, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions

Transcript Highlights:

• environment and you're of a a structured environment and you're of a a structured environment and you're
• for dispersement of fines and fees for dispersement of fines and fees for driving without a driving
• split up and this would get their fees split up and this would get their fees split up tag would get
• half of the fees and then tag would get half of the fees and then tag would get half of the fees and
• is appears common regulatory structure is appears common regulatory structure is appears to be more

Keywords: sessions, 2025-R, 1, 219

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a need to remove specific dollar amounts for renewal fees to allow the Department of Health
• Services to update these fees accordingly while maintaining accuracy to written regulation.
• Services to update these fees accordingly while maintaining accuracy to written regulation.
• Services to update these fees accordingly while maintaining accuracy to written regulation.
• Services to update these fees accordingly while maintaining accuracy to written regulation.

Bills: HB2049, HB2050, HB2051, HB2072, HB2082, HB2085, HB2177, HB2178, HB2179, HB2183, HB2195

Keywords: radiation therapy, particle accelerator, critical access hospitals, patient care, rural healthcare, radiologic technologist, radiologist assistant, radiology, imaging, x-ray, diagnostic x-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography, computed tomography, CT technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, bone densitometry, radiation safety, radiation licensing, scope of practice

Transcript Highlights:

• of fees that aren't disclosed. disclosed. disclosed.
• > so<00:07:50.479> that as rule on hidden fees so that as rule on hidden fees so that enforcement
• didn't participate in that green fee didn't participate in that green fee ask.
• c><01:13:40.320> more intensify, structures become more intensify, structures become more exposed
• We offered fee to the bahana tours. We offered fee to the 96744<01:30:12.960> community.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt. Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it creates. the in-state structural timber grading system.
• It allows us to charge a fee, although it would be our...
• And had a fee structure and a tariff structure that would absolutely work with their customers to make
• There are lots of ways to structure it. I think Texas is one of them, right?
• What is the best way to structure the ownership—free market, monopoly—of a grid system?