Transcript Highlights:

• We know West Texas is a dry and arid region of the state.
• Well, I think the idea would be that it has to be in the region of which El Paso is a member, that region
• The proposed unit is the first step in developing those contacts and sources of information.
• Another example would be the TCEQ standards that are developing for surface discharge.
• Do in developing these standards?

Bills: HB48, HB49, HB 1169, HB1971, HB2584, HB2663, HB2890, HB48, HB49

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Minnesota has 12 regional systems and the bulk of e-materials licensing is done by regional systems
• materials licensing is done by regional materials licensing is done by regional systems.<00:02:47.120
• communities through their region. communities through their region. um<00:02:56.720> about
• materials through their regional materials through their regional systems,<00:03:10.560> but<
• collection in each region. collection in each region.

Bills: HF3698, HF3067, HF3730

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• to incentivize the development to incentivize the development interconnection<00:24:45.559> and
• <00:39:44.200> further region further region further questions<00:39:46.440> Senator<00
• <01:26:09.040> and other states both in the region and other states both in the region and
• <02:17:01.080> on southern part of the Lakes Region on southern part of the Lakes Region on
• <02:42:39.880> will status quo landfill developers will status quo landfill developers will

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a regional associate director, I have regular contact with the facilities under my purview.
• Visiting is another one of the areas that, as the Region 2 associate director, I'm over.
• So looking at how do we develop our future leaders?
• So we have a couple of So looking at how do we develop our future leaders?
• CDCR is continuing to assess staff needs in order to develop more targeted interventions.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first established quorum and took up several routine items, including two governor’s appointments to the Court Reporters Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Heather Lynn Gonzalez’s appointment was approved 3-1, Allison Salton-Sall’s appointment was approved 4-0, and the other routine items were approved 4-0. The committee then heard testimony on two Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both associate directors in the Division of Adult Institutions. Senators focused heavily on the California model, staff safety, prison violence, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and visitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model is meant to balance rehabilitation with safety, that CDCR has improved communication and training, and that incidents such as the pepper-spray event at Central California Women’s Facility led to discipline, investigations, retraining, and policy review. They also described PREA reporting systems, anti-retaliation protections, statewide visiting meetings, and efforts to make visiting more family-centered and consistent. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, citing their work on rehabilitation, reentry, and sexual abuse response. The committee unanimously voted 4-0 to send both Ratliff and Tuggle to the Senate floor for confirmation. It then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, public safety, contraband, prison rape prevention, workplace culture, whistleblower retaliation, and repeated allegations in late-filed opposition letters. Johnson said parole risk is assessed through established scoring and supervision levels, that sex offenders are subject to GPS monitoring and treatment, and that operations use investigations, training, and collaboration with law enforcement to address contraband and misconduct. He emphasized rehabilitation, culture change, accountability, and his commitment to staff and public safety, while acknowledging criticism and the difficulty of leading a large institution. No vote on Johnson was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So phase approach with regional pilots and then rural health transformation. know.
• So phase approach with regional in this.
• <00:49:27.200> the the the ability to sort of develop the the the ability to sort of develop
• But that is, I think, one challenge of doing it in regions.
• I think it From my perspective, regions.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee to study long-term managed care met to approve the prior meeting minutes, with a clarification that “OB3” referred to the “one big beautiful bill.” The minutes were then approved. Chair Jim Kofalt outlined the day’s agenda, which included testimony from the Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, the New Hampshire Association of Counties, and later DHHS. He also noted that future meetings were expected soon and that the meetings were being livestreamed on YouTube. Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, represented by Kellyanne Totten and Amy Moore, urged inclusive planning and a cautious, phased approach if managed care is considered. They emphasized that home care providers are not uniform, with different licensing and service models, and said any pilot should include varied provider types, rural and southern regions, and agencies of different sizes. They warned that workforce shortages, inflation, and a possible 9% CMS cut to Medicare home health payments could force agencies to reduce service areas or service types. They also said the 2023 Medicaid CFI rate increase has begun to lose its effect. In response to questions, they said the rural health transformation fund may help with planning and telehealth but likely cannot be used directly for rates or recruitment/retention. They also described the New England Home Care Nurse Residency Program, a Department of Labor grant, as a way to bring new registered nurses into home care with added training and school partnerships. The New Hampshire Association of Counties, through county nursing home administrators Craig Labore and David Ross, revisited the earlier Step Two managed care discussions from 2016-2018. They said prior consultants found the long-term services and supports system was underfunded and needed investment to stabilize providers and expand community-based care. They argued the same concerns remain today and said a managed model would jeopardize the Medicaid quality incentive payment program and, for county nursing homes, the proportionate share payment program. Their testimony was generally opposed to moving forward with managed long-term services and supports without significant additional funding and safeguards.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill puts the framework around the economic development money that we dropped in the 2024 budget
• /c><00:02:26.400> money<00:02:26.640> that<00:02:26.760> we the a Economic Development
• money that we the a Economic Development money that we dropped<00:02:27.200> in<00:02:27.319>
• Those facilities are county-grown and in this region of the country that go directly into those facilities
• of<00:04:55.639> the<00:04:55.800> country<00:04:56.199> that and in this region

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by guest Bob James of Barren County. The chair recognized visiting groups, including the Kentucky Leadership Program and the Kentucky Cattleman’s Leadership Program, before turning to the day’s only agenda item, Senate Bill 28. The committee adopted a committee substitute for SB 28 by motion and second, with no opposition recorded. The chair explained that the bill creates the framework and parameters for distributing $5 million in economic development funding included in the 2024 budget through the Department of Agriculture. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified in support of the bill and described it as enabling legislation to help Kentucky attract more end users, processors, and further-processing operations. He highlighted the importance of existing agricultural processing in the state, especially poultry, citing growth in agricultural cash receipts from $3.1 billion in 1996 to $8.3 billion more recently, with poultry rising from 5% to 25% of the total. He also pointed to major processing facilities, job creation, and the broader impact on farmers and corn markets, including examples from Hopkinsville and other regions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through NDI's New Mexico's Youth Development Works, they prepare a young person to meet the challenges
• NDI New Mexico is a unique blend of performing arts, physical education, and youth development.
• He goes to Santo Nino Regional Campus Catholic School, he's an avid reader, and he's an advanced yellow
• , enacting the Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness Act, making an appropriation.
• that the boards of regional spaceport districts employ the State Investment Council or.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pablo Tagle, chairman of the board of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
• people of South Texas because UTSA is the number one higher education designation for the entire region
• This region is also home to some of the most decorated rodeo champions in history, including Trevor Brazil
• UTD is such a great institution in the whole region of North Texas.
• Having built a development up there about 20 acres in 2009, I came intimately familiar.

Summary: The Texas Senate convened with a quorum, heard the governor’s emergency message outlining priority issues for the session, including property tax relief, water supply and infrastructure funding, universal education savings accounts, teacher pay, career and technical education, creation of a Texas Cyber Command, and bail reform. The governor also submitted a State of the State message and several appointment nominations for Senate confirmation. The chamber then took up a series of ceremonial resolutions and recognitions for McAllen Day, UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day, Wise County Day, and Houston East End Chamber of Commerce East End Day, along with visits from the Houston Realty Business Coalition, Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce, Webb County/Laredo delegates, UT Dallas McDermott Scholars, Andrews County officials, and occupational therapy professionals and students. Several senators spoke in support of the recognitions, highlighting local economic development, higher education, public health, and regional history. McAllen was praised for its growth, business climate, and cultural significance; Laredo and Webb County were recognized for trade, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, and cross-border ties; UTSA and UT Health were commended for research, cybersecurity, and health science work; and UT Dallas scholars were recognized for academic achievement and public service. Wise County, the East End of Houston, and Andrews County were also described in terms of their economic contributions and community heritage. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 27 for McAllen Day and Senate Resolution 32 for UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day without objection. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, which granted permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days between February 5 and February 11, by a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 0 nays. Additional resolutions listed on the calendar were adopted without objection, and the Senate recessed until noon on Wednesday, February 5.

Transcript Highlights:

• Development and Wrap Up. If the panel could come forward, that would be great.
• This of water into the region. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• There's 15,000 PFAS with more being developed every day.
• It's comprised of key stakeholders to develop the Senate Memorial 19 report.
• It's comprised of key stakeholders to develop the Senate Memorial 19 report.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<02:38:44.560> HUD, Housing and Urban Development, HUD, Housing and Urban Development, HUD
• biggest plan obviously in the region biggest plan obviously in the region where<02:38:59.600>
• they would like for our regional they would like for our regional partners<02:56:03.560> to
• amendment ensures that new regional amendment ensures that new regional entities<03:13:01.960>
• regionally to solve homelessness issues. regionally to solve homelessness issues.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and regional coordination.
• We're developing the grant program designs now, internal review processes.
• HCAI has published eight such reports to date and continues to develop new ones.”
• Today, we are still in the process of developing a proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–27.
• Today, we are still in the process of developing a proposed budget for fiscal year 2627.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Russia illegally developed INF-range systems, now used for nuclear coercion and intimidation.
• our engagement at Expo Osaka, the largest public and economic diplomacy event in the Indo-Pacific region
• and Korea is critically important, not only to the safety and security of the Northeast Asia and region
• Secretary Rubio has made numerous trips to the region already to speak to government in Latin America
• It also proves the Quad is a force for good and stability in the region. Ms.

Keywords: Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications

Summary: The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So today, I hope we can develop a better understanding of how the segments plan for capital projects,
• Each location develops a long-range development plan that typically covers a planning period of 10 to
• These LRDPs guide campus land use plans, infrastructure development, and building sites.
• The development of the CSU five-year plan is an iterative process.
• We will discuss the California Kids, or Cal Kids, Investment Development Savings Program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet in Iceland, we have developed commercially.
• And we are very much interested in helping to develop this technology in the state.
• I also think you should be aware of non-DNR federal projects in the region.
• for carbon dioxide removal can be developed independently.
• Globally, this is still a new area of development and technological change.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The committee’s interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), with presenters from industry, nonprofits, and state agencies describing Washington’s geologic potential, the role of basalt formations, and the difference between point-source capture, direct air capture, utilization, and permanent storage. Industry and project developers emphasized that Washington has major opportunities to reduce industrial emissions, create jobs, and support hard-to-electrify sectors, while state agencies explained current policy touchpoints in the Cap and Invest Program, emissions exemptions for permanently stored CO2, and the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Several presenters urged clearer statutory and regulatory pathways, including rules for pore space, subsurface rights, pipeline siting, and long-term liability; others cautioned that CCUS should be limited to real emissions reductions and not treated as a substitute for broader clean energy measures. Committee members asked about public comment opportunities, whether mineralized carbon would qualify for exemption under the Climate Commitment Act, the energy intensity of capture systems, aquifer protection, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Ecology said it is developing guidance through a public engagement process running through late June and that mineralized or otherwise permanently stored CO2 would likely qualify if it meets the 1,000-year permanence standard. DNR and outside experts also discussed trust lands, water rights, and the need for additional geophysical surveys and test wells. The panel did not take any votes or formal actions. The second half of the meeting turned to hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility. Ecology reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described how moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste are currently collected through county facilities and events. Ecology said the electronics program is its best model, while the mercury lamp program is currently in transition after the prior stewardship organization exited and a new organization is seeking approval. Ecology recommended that future EPR programs have clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong enforcement authority. Local government witnesses from King County and Douglas County described rising costs, access barriers in rural areas, and the need for stable funding and flexible local delivery models. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and argued that EPR could reduce costs for ratepayers and improve equity. Douglas County stressed that rural residents are willing to participate when services are available, but travel distance and operating costs make access difficult. An industry representative supported narrowly scoped stewardship programs like PaintCare but warned that broad household hazardous waste EPR systems can become difficult to administer and may require legislative revisions if responsibilities are not clearly defined. No votes were taken on the hazardous waste topic either.

Transcript Highlights:

• Development Committee, then back to the Revenue and Tax Committee.
• Every $1 generated on farm produces another $3.50 in the local and regional economy.
• Williams because his reach was regional. Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber.
• Williams because his reach was regional. Oh.
• Williams because his reach was regional. He was a trailblazer and an example for so many.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage. The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day. The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The region plays a significant role in agriculture.
• HR number 80 by Van Dever, recognizing February 19th, 2025. as Northeast Texas Regional Alliance Day
• Members, I ask you to join me in welcoming the Northeast Texas Regional Alliance. to the Texas House,
• Their commitment to public education. and student development is commendable.
• Through these initiatives, student Collaborate with the school board members, develop public service

Keywords: legislation, testimonies, committee meeting, public interest, bills

Summary: The committee meeting was conducted with several discussions surrounding various proposed bills, addressing both public interests and legislative concerns. Specific bills were presented, and members debated the implications of each, emphasizing their potential impact on the community and state regulations. Notably, several testimonies were heard from stakeholders, which enriched the conversation and provided different perspectives on the bills being reviewed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:55.120> CTE um from their CT from their regional CTE um from their CT from their regional
• In that role, I oversee the Development.
• are being sent from the CTE regional are being sent from the CTE regional center<00:44:25.920>
• <01:09:31.160> and essential for economic development and essential for economic development
• <01:20:26.440> department college workforce development department college workforce development

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and economic development.
• The Division of Community Development manages the state's land planning and community development responsibilities
• Many of our programs do fund smaller developers and developments, especially some of the special needs
• Fund smaller developers and developments, especially some of the special needs funding that we do, and
• for the development-disabled and like.

Summary: The committee met to review agency program funding as it prepared to build the budget, hearing brief presentations from six agencies and then taking member questions. Florida Division of Emergency Management highlighted its role in response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation, describing a largely federal pass-through budget, major technology investments, and large disaster and preparedness grant activity. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, Florida State Guard, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also summarized their budgets, staffing, and major programs, including workforce and economic development, elections and arts funding, housing assistance, transportation work programs, military readiness, state guard expansion, and highway safety and motorist services. Members focused questions on several issues: arts and library grant funding and whether award criteria had changed; Commerce’s rural infrastructure and job growth grants and why funds were not being disbursed faster; Florida Housing’s use of SAIL, Live Local, Hometown Heroes, and SHIP funds and how smaller agencies learn about and access funding; and DOT’s work program gap between agency and governor proposals. The most extensive questioning was directed to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about long DMV lines, vacancies, overtime, staffing shortages, and the ability to shift funds between divisions. The department said staffing and pay constraints, especially in South Florida, were driving service delays and vacancy rates, and that overtime was being used because troopers were leaving for better-paying jobs. The Florida State Guard was also questioned about its spending and procurement pace, including aircraft purchases and facilities. Its director said long procurement timelines explained the low initial spending and that obligations had risen sharply as contracts matured. Members also asked about the department’s public opposition to Amendment 3 and whether agency resources were used in that effort; the director said no contracts or purchases were made to influence the vote and said the colonel’s comments were made off the clock. The meeting ended with the chair asking agencies to respond promptly to unanswered questions, and the committee adjourned without any recorded votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So first, in 2022, we designed and developed the ILP data lake and all the related systems.
• Moving on to page... ...six, we're starting with the Economic Development Department.
• That's 25 million for development allocations for nonpublic settlement beneficiaries.
• Economic Development Department, is that the one you're referring to?
• We know those are important, particularly up in your region.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill creates the Alabama Development Fund while developing a very creative funding mechanism for
• Again, this is rural development.
• It's a good economic development strategy, right? That's right. Development strategy, right?
• real economic development... economic development in these real communities.
• Development, one is Bibb County.

Keywords: 1136, house, all