Transcript Highlights:

• The third factor is a deep and abiding love for our great nation.
• And the third is to partner for success.
• You think there's a reason that I read that twice?
• I think as I have studied the problem and read the stockpile reports and read the blueprint enterprise
• So, I'm not really, so I've been reading newspaper articles about Mr. Palatori, but I don't know.

Keywords: national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations

Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the model that I think is most desired with reading.
• The learning to read initiative in Oklahoma is going to break out this summer.
• We do have one already You have one based upon the science of reading.
• So what's the third Thursday? So we probably moved back to the twenty-ninth.
• Deadline for third reading. That could be a long day, couldn't it? What's the next Thursday?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary will read.
• The bill is restored to its place on the third reading calendar.
• Have the title read and call on Senator Hinchey. >> Secretary will read.
• Please take up the reading of the calendar. Secretary will read.
• Secretary will read.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• requested that we add the language that is in many bills that provides, if a bill receives a two-thirds
• So as I read, all kidding aside, you know, you talked about, I think...
• So as I read, all kidding aside, you know, you talked about, I think you said that the reason for this
• I'll read more. I'll look into it, but I appreciate you taking my questions.
• I'll read more. I'll look into it, but I appreciate you taking my questions. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HB111

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in reading through it, is a yes.
• corporations third amendment right? corporations third amendment right?
• when you question about the third when you question about the third amendment<00:34:27.200> whether
• <01:54:43.679> I the read of the new new language. I the read of the new new language.
• Senator Kun. stealing third base I believe and stealing third base I believe and initially<02:43:45.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the NIH, one-third of youth experience parental rejection and one-third do not come out
• Was that what you're reading now? Uh, that is yes, I'm reading from that. Okay.
• That's that we can read it on our own. Whatever you didn't manage to read to us. Okay.
• them so I can read them and see them. them so I can read them and see them.
• <02:27:17.920> Any just give it to us to read. Any just give it to us to read.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't need to go ahead and read all that, but there are several.
• The Environment Department is sort of the third stop in this process. Stop on the way.
• We go to a third party, if you will, the WQCC for rulemaking.
• Bring the Defense Nuclear Safety Board in here as a third leg of the stool so there are third leg of
• I read that same article.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can read all the statutes as to ways that children can be taken advantage of.
• know took advantage of you you can read know took advantage of you you can read all<00:14:23.440
• represent kusen but um the way I read represent kusen but um the way I read the<01:01:03.200>
• , whatever that third person involved, as long as they know what's going on.
• however that third person involved as however that third person involved as long<01:33:00.360>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The funding and bonding capacity, I'd like to read this.
• Now, about one-third of our population is uninsured, and it's a growing problem.
• So, it reads it, this license plate.
• License plate, you can't read it, but the police can be more aware about those things.
• So whenever you order something online, a third party there's a surcharge added to that.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the agency as the way you read this bill, what does it do?
• And the way I read the definitions, correct me if I'm wrong, but...
• Two-thirds in Collin County and one-third in Denton County.
• Am I reading that correctly?
• They serve about a third of the Texas population.

Bills: HB134, HB135, HB 1109, HB 1243, HB1392, HB1399, HJR99, HB134, HB135

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• The chief clerk will give the bill its third reading. Third reading, House File 2354 as amended.
• Third reading. Discussion. I recognize the member from Rock, Representative Schumacher.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 2354, a consumer protection bill dealing with medical assistance fraud. Representative Norris described the measure as a crackdown on Medicaid fraud that would add investigators and prosecutors, increase penalties, and broaden the fraud definition to cover more sophisticated schemes. He also emphasized the federal three-to-one match for state spending on the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The chamber adopted amendment A11 by a roll call vote of 134 yeas and 0 nays. Norris said the amendment narrowed subpoena powers to align with language from the other body, moved the appropriation to the general fund to satisfy a leader agreement and secure the federal match, and made technical cross-reference corrections. On third reading, Representative Schumacher said the bill had been worked through several Human Services Committee hearings and discussions with the Attorney General’s office and was now in workable form. Norris thanked bipartisan authors and staff and urged a green vote. The final roll call passed the bill 118 yeas to 16 nays, and House File 2354 was finally agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will give the bill its third reading. >> [clears throat] Third reading, Senate File 4807 as
• Third reading, Senate File 4807 as amended. Discussion to the bill as amended.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4807, a bill relating to state government and veterans of the secret war in Laos, but the discussion focused on a House amendment that replaced the Senate language. Representative Olson explained that the amendment would tie Minnesota National Guard state active duty pay to the E-5, or sergeant, rate, rather than the current minimum pay structure, which he said can leave lower-ranked members earning about $15 an hour during emergency activations. He argued the change would better compensate Guard members who leave civilian jobs to serve and said it would mirror federal pay adjustments without affecting the Department of Military Affairs budget except when the Guard is activated. The amendment was adopted after brief discussion. On third reading of the bill as amended, Olson urged support, describing the Minnesota National Guard as highly trained and deserving of recognition for its service and sacrifice. No opposition was recorded. The House then took the roll call vote and passed Senate File 4807 as amended by a vote of 133-0. The title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will give the bill its third reading. >> Third reading.
• House File 3615. >> Third reading.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:03.440> party third party third party inspector<00:13:05.920> that's<00:13:06.120
• I'm just trying to see if I'm reading this RSA correctly, and I could be reading it wrong.
• :37.200> reading<00:46:37.480> it could be reading it could be reading it wrong<00:46:40.480
• <00:46:43.960> it enlighten me if I'm reading it enlighten me if I'm reading it incorrectly
• meeting maybe the second week or third meeting maybe the second week or third week<02:32:21.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on HR 18, a resolution urging New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to seek federal changes that would let very small slaughter plants use custom-exempt inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present, so beef, pork, lamb, and goat could be sold as individual cuts directly to consumers. Representative Judy Aron said the resolution was drafted in lieu of state legislation because the issue is governed by USDA rules, and she noted she was also working on an amendment to ensure the measure covered federal “very small” plants. Representative Miner asked for clarification about custom slaughter versus retail sales, and Representative Scully supported the resolution while suggesting language to make clear it applied only to local end consumers. Joyce Brady of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the state’s four USDA slaughterhouses and the bottleneck in custom cutting made the issue important. After no further testimony, the chair closed the hearing. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. For HB 616, members discussed an amendment that had been revised after public comments and Commissioner Jasper’s feedback; Representative Guber said it balanced the competing positions, and Representative Penza and Representative Ger said the language now addressed concerns about animal suffering by allowing euthanasia if a treating veterinarian determines the animal is in extreme suffering. The committee then discussed HB 77, with Representative Penza describing changes to landfill-related standards, including replacing aquifer references with drinking water wells, removing a penalty section, changing discretionary language to mandatory language for the department, and adjusting an in situ soils standard. Members praised the compromise, though Representative Scully raised concerns about the 1,500-foot setback and suggested engineering controls such as berms; Penza responded that current rules do not include such controls and that the setback was intended to address surface spills. Several members said the bill reflected a hard-fought balance and should not be rewritten at the last minute. For HB 505, the freeze-dried food bill, Representative Aron explained that the amendment replaced a simple exemption with a requirement that homestead food operations selling freeze-dried foods from a farm stand, farmers market, or retail food store obtain a homestead food license under RSA 143-A:4. She said the amendment defines freeze-dried foods as fruits, vegetables, and commercially prepared dairy products, and delays the effective date 120 days to allow rulemaking. Members generally supported the approach as a light-touch oversight mechanism for potentially hazardous foods, though Representative Ktoa asked for clarification about how the amendment interacts with existing licensing and inspection exemptions, and Aron clarified that these products would not be exempt from licensing under the relevant law. The committee then turned to HB 250, concerning local authority over dog muzzling, where members broadly supported the amendment as a simple solution, while Representative Ktoa asked about the underlying definition of a vicious dog and whether all listed behaviors would warrant muzzling. The discussion noted that the amendment would allow towns to require muzzling for dogs meeting the statutory definition, while excluding hunting, working, herding, and similar dogs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yet, when I read it, it's hand in hand with a strategic plan.
• She'll be a third-generation teacher.
• next year, and one-third of the total in FY28.
• She struggled to read until the end of third grade, and even with intensive home support and tutoring
• She struggled to read until the end of third grade, and even with intensive home support and tutoring

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer. The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• AS I WAS READING THROUGH THIS BILL PROBABLY FOR THE THIRD TIME AND JUST TRYING TO BETTER UNDERSTAND,
• THAT IS AN INDUSTRY TALKING POINT, NOBODY'S ASKING FOR BACKDOOR ACCESS FROM A THIRD-PARTY TO READ WHAT
• AND NOT A THIRD-PARTY PLATFORM FORCING TO OVERRIDE PARENTAL AUTHORITY.
• I CANNOT READ THIS HANDWRITING AT ALL.
• Martin: I READ THE BILL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendation is to pass with amendments, adopt LRB tech amendments, and amend section 2A to read
• 2A to read that the governor<00:05:22.759> May<00:05:22.960> negotiate<00:05:23.479>
• <00:08:26.440> that DNR and amend the bill to read that DNR and amend the bill to read that
• <00:10:46.880> as<00:10:47.079> follows page five line four to read as follows page
• <00:39:02.599> party any Department agency or third party any Department agency or third party

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met in decision-making on a long list of Senate bills and adopted most measures with amendments or unamended, often with members voting aye and some recording reservations. Among the measures acted on were SB 40, SB 411, SB 436, SB 443, SB 447, SB 572, SB 583, SB 739, SB 742, SB 746, SB 816, SB 826, SB 830, SB 841, SB 850, SB 865, SB 952, SB 955, SB 1040, SB 1042, SB 1083, SB 1229, SB 1359, SB 1469, SB 1553, SB 1578, SB 1609, SB 1610, SB 1619, and SB 1641. Common amendments included deferring effective dates to 2050, adding sunset dates, adopting LRB technical changes, and narrowing or clarifying program language. Several bills drew brief discussion on policy details. SB 583 was amended to remove references to selling naming rights, leaving only leasing. SB 739 was discussed for its land exchange provisions and concerns about ceded lands and OHA revenue, but it was still adopted with reservations. SB 830 was amended based on DNR testimony to address reconstruction after disasters, excluding certain coastal hazards. SB 850 added State Council on Developmental Disabilities recommendations to address health disparities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SB 952 shifted administration of a pilot program to the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resiliency, and SB 1610 added requirements for utility connections and capped spending on the Ohana Zones/Cales-related program. The committee also heard substantial discussion on SB 442, which concerned returning retirees to state employment. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Attorney General focused on whether the bill should allow a shorter waiting period and how it would interact with current 89-day hiring practices, succession planning, and law enforcement retirement rules. After debate, the committee moved to decision-making and adopted amendments to include investigators, expand eligibility to hard-to-fill or succession-planning positions, and set a term limit for returning retirees with director approval for extensions. In a separate joint Ways and Means/Judiciary hearing, SB 716, SB 763, and SB 804 were also advanced with amendments, including organizational placement changes for DLE programs and Attorney General amendments to avoid retroactivity and contract-impairment issues. Several items were deferred, including SB 983, SB 1220, and SB 828.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the journal be approved as read.
• Further reading of the journal be dispensed with and the journal be approved.
• Clerk will read the resolution.
• Bills on third reading. The resolution is declared adopted. Bills on third reading: there are none.
• Bills on second reading: there are none. Bills on first reading: there are none.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• stated that the way it currently reads stated that the way it currently reads now<01:10:46.120><
• So if one reads this bill as is, there is absolutely no audit oversight on $7.3 million.
• Given that I have not read that study, I'm not aware of that study.
• I'm sure everybody's read it. Does anybody feel compelled to discuss it?
• Representative Plog continued: "I'm assuming we all have read this.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bills on second reading are open to further amendment.
• <01:34:45.880> and adopted the bills on second reading and adopted the bills on second reading
• <01:34:51.560> and order the bills on second reading and order the bills on second reading
• <04:44:49.760> of what about the rest of the two-thirds of what about the rest of the two-thirds
• Now, that only solves it for that one-third, but at least those one-third would be able to vote.

Keywords: 1189, house, all