Transcript Highlights:

• primacy the EPA directly implements the UIC program through its regional offices. in the EPA-created Class
• We withdrew our application at the end of the year for class 6 primacy.
• We appreciate this opportunity. to discuss critical federal actions that impact the state's economic
• storage could attract at least 60... billion dollars in private investment to the Texas economy and Class
• We have fabulous first-rate best-in-class facilities.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:52:58.720> property legislative action now on property legislative action now on property
• class uh 027 as<05:43:03.440> well.
• <05:43:04.638> So,<05:43:05.200> class as well. This is class Yeah.
• So, class as well. This is class Yeah.
• assistant is authorized to adjust class assistant is authorized to adjust class 027<05:43:55.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeff Dy here on behalf of Cicero Action and FGA.
• Cicero Action is just that. Um, so Mr.
• We have 19 first class cities and the threshold for that would be 4,000.
• Uh, we have 19 first class cities and the threshold for that would be 4,000.
• that's that's a pretty drastic action that's that's a pretty drastic action and<01:08:21.759>

Bills: HB0002, HB0022

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh take action uh take action as<00:12:06.040> a<00:12:06.120> mass<00:12:06.360><
• I had Moms Demand Action and the NRA on board with this bill. I was so happy about that.
• My 8-year-old was sitting on the far side of the church from the shooting, and her class was able to
• After the tragedy, I was invited by a constituent to speak to Fletcher Merkel's third grade class.
• Fletcher Merkel's third grade class was doing a unit on civics.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• C distribution co-ops, which own their Class A G&Ts that own Basin Electric.
• C distribution co-ops that own their class A, AG&T's that own base in electric.
• So the member, that own their class A, G&T's that own base and electric.
• Oil and gas workforce, world class. Subsurface data, 40 years of UND research.
• Oil and gas workforce, world class. Subsurface data, 40 years of UND research.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, I'm Christina Simmons for Early Childhood Action Strategy.
• support we have white children's Action support we have white children's Action Network<00:17:45.280
• <01:20:55.280> Network have Hawaii children Action Network have Hawaii children Action Network
• Equitable to the other kids in the class Equitable to the other kids in the class when<01:53:27.760
• that's more align with current action that's more align with current action within<02:19:08.800>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also authorizes private rights of action and establishes statutory penalties.
• I understand, but setting up as a licensed class program is different than a statute.
• I understand, but setting up as a licensed class program is different than a statute.
• I understand, but setting up as a licensed class program is different than a statute.
• <00:58:11.079> for 10-year statute Repose for actions for 10-year statute Repose for actions

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In many cases, lack of lawful status is based on the actions of their parents and not these students.
• My amendment moves that conversation forward and encourages us to take actions that will be good for
• that will be good for the state actions that will be good for the state grant<00:32:53.600> and
• And it was at those lunches classes.
• These actions that we have taken that we These actions that we have taken that we are<01:27:12.560>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we've all been through civics class, right?
• I mean, we've all been through civics class, right?
• I mean, we've all been through civics class, right?
• Um, and we were able to take action quickly.
• able to take action quickly businesses were were were saved<00:54:12.920> homes<00:54:13.280>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• solutions to search for actionable solutions to physician<00:06:18.920> shortages<00:06:19.800
• When we shift these individuals to a new second class of employment, the state saves corporations money
• , the state second class of employment, the state saves<00:20:03.920> corporations<00:20:04.640
• I think it's very important to understand that registering as a Class II medical device doesn't mean
• Senate Bill 195, Senator Richardson, an act relating to civil causes of action. Lady from Davis.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one I'm going to go over is New Mexico Five Actions.
• We want to ensure that we deliver world-class training so that folks under the age of 18 understand and
• My Ph.D. is in special education, so I always taught the class.
• Some of them would actually walk over to the student health clinic after class because they realized
• I had a Desiderio, and actually, I had two of them, one being a brother and sister in my class when I

Transcript Highlights:

• that only impacts dependent students unless there is a change to federal law through congressional action
• congressional action. congressional action. Senator<00:15:39.199> M.
• So, what this amendment would do would be to allow these classes to be covered so that she could graduate
• to<00:24:31.120> be<00:24:31.200> covered<00:24:31.520> so allow um these classes
• to be covered so allow um these classes to be covered so that<00:24:31.840> she<00:24:32.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:06.800> three You know, when you think of class three You know, when you think of class
• <00:27:10.920> of also remember that the classes of also remember that the classes of gaming
• Class One or Class Two.
• Any further action? Seeing none.
• Any<01:47:55.760> further<01:47:56.040> action? Any further action?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:48.480> and with fake students in our classes and with fake students in our classes
• Even if you are convinced, it might not be actionable.
• Some continue to take the class. They are not trying to pass.
• Some continue to take the class. They are not trying to pass.
• Some continue to take the class. They are not trying to pass.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one of my favorite classes was metallurgy.
• The class was always fascinating to me.
• But then are you teaching high school classes, or are high school teachers teaching college classes?
• classes.
• But so then are you teaching high school classes or high school teachers teaching college classes?

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we also know the power of words and action that encourage and build up.
• That staff has kept that place humming, and first class, like very...
• You painted a picture just then that is broader than actions that occur in a classroom.
• It does not preclude anyone from seeking a cause of action. They don’t.
• It does not preclude anyone from seeking a cause of action if they have actual harm.

Bills: HR1046, SB1733, SB1439

Keywords: Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several special recognitions tied to the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber honored the 138th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department as Veterans of the Week, and also recognized Dr. Camissa Stewart as Doctor of the Day and Tammy Powell as Nurse of the Day for their roles in the 1995 bombing response. A lengthy floor presentation followed, featuring remarks from legislators, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, memorial museum leaders, Justice Stephen Taylor, and Pastor Ronnie Fields, all focused on remembrance, the Oklahoma standard, the victims and survivors, and the importance of hope, civility, and the rule of law. On legislation, Senate Bill 1733 was presented and debated. The bill requires school personnel who have reason to believe a student is a victim of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct to report it to law enforcement within 24 hours. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens reporting requirements to protect children, while opponents warned it could trigger harmful public accusations and undermine trust in educators and administrators. The House passed the bill 92-1, and the emergency clause also passed 92-1. The House also considered Senate Bill 1439, an oil and gas measure intended to bar speculative climate-related lawsuits and limit liability to actual violations and provable harm. Supporters argued it would prevent frivolous litigation, protect the state’s energy economy, and keep costs down for consumers; opponents said it would create a special legal carve-out for industry and shift costs to taxpayers and families. The bill passed 74-16. In addition, Senate Bill 2184 was assigned to Rules, and H.J.R. 1078 and H.J.R. 1079 were withdrawn from Rules and sent to appropriations and budget committees. The House adjourned after announcements and introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program for school district local accountability plans and actions challenging Texas Education Agency
• Exams that are instructionally relevant and that are actionable for teachers.
• In first, it means providing timely and actionable data.
• So we do not change the blueprint of the test barring legislative action.
• We don't change it unless it's consistent with legislative action.

Bills: HB8

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• minds right now, and I'm sure we'll talk about this throughout the hearing, but there's been recent action
• If we don't see allegations that rise to the level of fraud, we can take administrative action, such
• Investigators—I don't need to know the name; I just need to get the information so we can take action
• But what percent, I mean, are we actually taking action?
• We are taking action immediately as soon as we have enough information to stop a payment, unless the

Transcript Highlights:

• I am deeply concerned about the administration's comments and actions regarding NATO and Ukraine.
• Finally, I would drive the enterprise to prioritize actionable intelligence, providing clear insights
• I think there is reason to be encouraged by actions that some NATO members have taken to take greater
• Will you recuse yourself, I guess, in any action?
• With your actions, you signal to those under your command that it is okay to be insubordinate.

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Supreme Court has made clear that when a government action retroactively deprives a party of its
• actually put trade skills into action.
• I can only testify to the behavior I've seen and the actions I've seen.
• So that when I believe that action is illegal, as the Attorney General has determined, and other actions
• They do have action.