Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the City of Lubbock's amortization and The strategic down zoning study committee considered
• So whenever you guys are required to do these studies, what are some of the components of that study?
• A lot of our members talked about these studies being upwards of about $80,000.
• How can that study be used to determine... and I suspect that it does. I'd like to hear more.
• So does that study include that? I don't think that the one that the developer does or has to have.

Bills: HB24, HB2015, HB2149, HB2559, HB2701, HB2797, HB3172, HB24

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Similar studies with similar results have been conducted by others, including the Wall Street Journal
• As I said in a study committee back in the summer of 2022, It's a slap in the face of every Texan when
• Study after study shows an increase in self-harm, and an increase in body dysmorphia among girls, an
• We now know, we now have studies that suggest that it is extremely harmful to our children.
• Silence in that, as Chair Patterson mentioned, during the interim, there's a joint committee studying

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• of those those particular areas. what they contribute to the Texas economy and using the pavement studies
• areas, but I can certainly testify that we have got a a significant amount of science and technical study
• Have y'all ever studied something like that? Yes sir.
• I know environmental studies what's involved in environmental study.
• is to go through an environmental, uh, study and there's different levels of environmental study, but

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And based on that, we had three major steps for our study.
• So this table kind of gives us the summary of our study.
• Each, we picked eight agencies based on Of our study.
• Again, this study was very limited in the scope that, The better it is.
• That is also something that needs to be studied. Thank you. Thank you, Doctor.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met, took roll, and heard introductory remarks from members about their districts and transportation priorities, with several senators noting congestion and mobility challenges in their regions. The committee then received a presentation from the Florida Transportation Commission on its oversight role for FDOT, including annual and quarterly performance reviews, review of the five-year work program, and monitoring of tolling and transit authorities. Members asked whether the commission gets involved in project prioritization; the answer was no, because it is statutorily limited to high-level oversight rather than day-to-day project decisions. The committee next heard two reports related to transportation disadvantaged and paratransit services. FDOT’s Melissa Smith described the statewide Transportation Disadvantaged program, its governance structure, service models, and challenges such as fragmented administration, cost, inconsistent reporting, and rural service limitations. She outlined recommendations including better use of technology, regional partnerships, improved training, and alternative delivery models like microtransit and TNC partnerships. A University of South Florida researcher, Martin Katala, discussed best practices for paratransit and demand-response service, emphasizing route optimization software, dynamic dispatching, service standards, vendor accountability, and the use of TNCs and mobility management to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. A later presentation from UF’s I-Street program focused on emerging technologies for transit, including in-cabin monitoring, automatic restraints, accessible booking and tracking tools, and the need for statewide safety standards and better driver interfaces. Finally, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and District 5 Secretary John Tyler provided an update on the transition of SunRail local entities. They explained the differences among commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail, and said SunRail’s financial transition to local partners was completed on January 1, with operational transition to follow over up to three years. They contrasted that with Tri-Rail, where FDOT still funds operations and discussions about a future transition are ongoing. Members asked about the differences between SunRail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and Brightline, and the presenters explained that commuter rail serves regional daily commuters while intercity rail connects regions. The committee concluded without taking any formal votes or other legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:56:37.880> committee forward with this uh study committee forward with this uh study committee
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to study what works and what spaces have better outcomes in person.
• And I think, you know, should we study it? Yeah, let's go. Let's start.
• Slide 16, move into the interim obligations and studies.
• A 2024 study, also from the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, focuses specifically on the turnover
• I've seen some studies that go as high as 25 percent or even more.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's math, ELA, science, and social studies. That's key. There is a way that there is...
• Through fourth, that's math, ELA, science, and social studies. That's key.
• We're going to see the social studies standards coming back that have been worked on that are going to
• We're going to see the social studies standards coming back that have been worked on that are going to
• we're going to end up with standards that are outdated because, to your point, we don't review social studies

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program that provides opportunities for high school students from 22 different countries to live and study
• She is currently studying at St.
• She is currently<00:14:58.399> studying<00:14:58.800> at<00:14:59.040> St.
• <00:14:59.360> Andrew's currently studying at St. Andrew's currently studying at St.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:30.239> of um did a uh a very nice study of um did a uh a very nice study of optometrists
• I'm happy to send a link of the study.
• I'm happy to send a link of the study.
• a challenge to a study that set out to a challenge to a study that set out to prove<01:19:13.760>
• So the question every study everywhere.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:30:11.520> study establishing a committee to study study establishing a committee to study
• have in front of you for a study have in front of you for a study committee.<01:31:41.600> Um
• We think it's worth a study.
• committee or a we either form a study committee or a study<02:15:45.679> commission.
• a study committee. a study committee.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not something that I study. Um, I have seen it.
• It's not something that I study.
• I studied at Brandeis University, where I earned an undergraduate degree in environmental studies.
• It has all the case studies, so I kind of just did the basics of how 79-E works on this page.
• So, I kind of just did the case studies.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to a study by the Economic Policy Institute, just six strikes in Massachusetts between January
• The same study found that benefits paid to these striking workers amount to less than half a percent
• And although proponents of a ban will often direct legislatures to studies showing the negative impacts
• , those studies tend to be very narrowly focused and are contradicted by other studies.
• I've spent a lot of time reviewing those studies and working actually with one of the lead authors for

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20. Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund. Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1991, Aguiar-Curry, market research study, motion is due pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 2511, Arreguín, comparable worth study, held in committee.
• AB 1771, Alvarez, apartment regulations study, held in committee.
• AB 16, Davies, veteran studies, held in committee.
• AB 2521, Papan, water availability study, do pass out with Republicans not voting.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are part of it. of the reason why I came to study at the University of Texas and came to this state
• If you study history, the comment that the Jews killed Jesus is not a reference. to whether or not the
• So I would just encourage. you to study history before you make those decisions.
• State Health Services Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies biannually collects some placement data
• What's more, the same study identified a significant need in teachers and campus administrators.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• The both the biological mother and adoptive parents have when choosing adoption, studies have shown that
• She's studying in college and she is now 21 years old. I picked up that case 5 years ago.
• legal custodian did so and under chapter 9, specifically, 39 point 0, 1, the definition illegal can study
• If we've determined there's an appropriate home study or they could be placed with a non relative.
• Malia, the who study also waiving in support Ruth McLeod DNP RN waiving in support.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB776 by Leo Wilson relating to the definition of an eligible school district for purposes of the study
• Oriented Education, HB805O Cortez, relating to the study of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and
• HB 842 by Lalani, relating to a study and report on burying power lines in the Gulf Coast region.
• Hunter requesting that the lieutenant governor and speaker to create a joint interim committee to study
• 62 by Hunter requesting the lieutenant governor and speaker to create a joint interim committee to study

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most studies find little to no systematic change in legislative polarization.
• Most studies find little to know systematic change on legislative polarization.
• A third study in California's 2016 U.S.
• I've spent my career studying democratic institutions and how they can be strengthened.
• This is what we have locally, and a study... What's the problem, they say?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-12, H.503, a proposal to implement all-party state primaries for Massachusetts state and federal elections. The committee opened with procedural remarks explaining Article 48 requirements and then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Professor Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University testified that top-two primary systems in other states have produced mixed results: they may modestly increase primary turnout in some cases, but the research does not show a reliable reduction in polarization, and such systems can weaken party gatekeeping, increase strategic behavior, raise campaign spending, and reduce general-election choice for voters whose preferred party is not on the ballot. Katie King of the National Conference of State Legislatures outlined the different primary models used nationwide, explained that Massachusetts currently uses an open-to-unaffiliated primary, and reviewed legal distinctions between blanket primaries and top-two systems; she noted that blanket primaries were struck down by the Supreme Court, while Washington’s top-two system was upheld because it narrows the field rather than nominating party candidates. She also said voter education and administrative preparation would be important if the system changed. The proponents’ panel, led by Danielle Allen of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued that Massachusetts has chronically uncompetitive elections, low turnout, and too many uncontested races, and that all-party primaries would give every voter a meaningful choice in the first round and force candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. Allen said the proposal is designed specifically for Massachusetts and differs from other states by allowing party endorsements to appear on the ballot, which supporters said would preserve useful information while shifting control of the preliminary election from party insiders to voters. Jim Henderson, the coalition’s counsel, said the bill is narrowly tailored to state-level primaries and would amend Chapter 53 to put all voters on equal footing. Other supporters, including Kevin Johnson, Kate Kavanaugh, and Spencer Reynolds, emphasized that the reform could increase competition, reduce polarization, improve participation by independents and underrepresented voters, and create more accountability to the full electorate. Committee members pressed the witnesses on turnout, the practical effect of endorsements, whether the proposal would simply shift party influence to an earlier stage, and whether it could disadvantage minority-party or independent candidates. Senator Fattman repeatedly asked about evidence that turnout would materially increase, while Representative Peisch and others questioned whether requiring or seeking endorsements would create new barriers or pressure candidates to clear the field. Supporters responded that the system would modestly increase primary participation, that the general election would remain the decisive contest, and that endorsements would be optional and handled through party rules. No vote was taken at the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• A New York study showed that drivers with 10 tickets contributed to deadly crashes at a rate almost three
• > drivers<00:02:10.399> with<00:02:10.720> 10 York study showed that drivers with
• 10 York study showed that drivers with 10 tickets<00:02:12.080> contributed<00:02:12.640>
• >> Representative Craft. >> Yeah, a number of studies have shown it to be about 75%. >> Yeah.
• studies have shown it to be about 75%. studies have shown it to be about 75%.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be presenting on the study that Toby mentioned.
• The purpose of the study is to analyze the benefits of New Mexico State Parks, the associated visitor
• We considered studies from Arizona and Texas, and also the New Mexico Tourism Department's estimate for
• And so the conservation values outlined in our report are based on a study that considered individual
• Recreational use values are based on a wide variety of studies that investigated individuals' stated

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that's where the committee on agriculture came in and said we need a study committee.
• We agreed to the study committee but used it to replace a more urban existing committee on procurement
• <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.

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.