Video & Transcript Research : 'distributed generation'
Page 157 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Generally then, House Bill 47 would ensure courts consider the impact of case delays for adult survivors
- Ultimately, I don't think $75 per charge is the right number to send to general revenue funds for solely
- However, once the attorney general...
- This is because the Office of the Attorney General is not an investigating agency in this instance.
- So if you could add a Definition for that, maybe generally accepted accounting principles, it's also
Bills:
HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB1024, HB1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667, HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305
Keywords:
sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- going to be one energy generation going to be one energy generation activity<01:36:14.880>
or - um mapping out a distribution um mapping out a distribution<01:47:14.400>
pathway <01:47:15.280 - Um, they're, uh, this generation, the younger generation, they're just not traveling.
- , the younger generation, this generation, the younger generation, they're<01:58:02.000>
just < - as as director said, we do generate as as director said, we do generate special<03:07:34.880>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of $329,344 from the general revenue dedicated lottery account.
- This would provide an opportunity for the general funders to participate in the general revenue funds
- Obviously, I was not the general counsel, but I.
- And lastly, general aviation airports.
- This transfer of general revenue to the VR.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- If the sergeant-at-arms, go ahead and get those distributed. So this is House Bill 622.
- If the Sergeant Armed, go ahead and get those distributed. So this is House Bill 622.
- So with the change of generations, whatever initiatives they can use, the amendment reflects printed
- That is our general notion at the 40,000. And that's how you reach at the 40,000? Yes, sir. Okay.
- Was there, I just wanted to get your general, obviously you weren't in love with the bill.
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well.
The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote.
The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- And so it's very important to us that we would be offering general education courses.
- This will ensure more timely distribution of revenues from specific filing periods.
- Number one, it should help our small businesses generate some additional revenue.
- This is not a tax on the general public.
- Because what generally happens is, you know, you— ...to go out and drink and drive.
Bills:
AB102, AB108, AB117, AB213, AB220, AB221, AB251, AB259, AB331, AB336, AB375, AB379, AB409, AB475, AB476, AB550, AB575, AB594, SB466
Keywords:
emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district, paramedic, training requirements, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, special license plates, vehicle registration, custom plates, state revenue, transportation, public works, prevailing wage, custom fabrication, nonstandard materials
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/18/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These are things like domestic violence shelters, sexual assault advocates, general crime advocates,
- AI generated images and real children. AI generated images and real children.
- <00:05:24.160>
crime sexual assault advocates, general crime sexual assault advocates, general - We tried to distribute<00:10:51.279>
the <00:10:51.519>funds <00:10:51.760>that < - the funds that we had so that distribute the funds that we had so that we<00:10:53.360>
could
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:26 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Money is distributed out to the district. Money is distributed out to the districts.
- Sincerely, Raul Torres, Attorney General of New Mexico.
- Sincerely, Raul Torres, Attorney General of New Mexico.
- So we're going to be hearing today from Major General Miguel Aguilar, who's the Adjutant General of New
- Major General Miguel Aguilar, who's the Adjutant General of New Mexico's National Guard.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/13/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:47:50.680>
at copies to be made for distribution at copies to be made for distribution - Inaccurate billing leads to needing to generate new bills and/or abatements.
- The remainder will go back into the general budget. Thank you.
- <03:56:34.319>
fund Overture still goes to the general fund Overture still goes to the general - go either to another line or general go either to another line or general fund fund fund so<03:56
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- General anxiety, general depression are not in that category.
- It's generally the office of the public fiduciary, I think, that are the attorneys.
- This is the general thing about this bill in general.
- So people should go ahead and have enough self-awareness that distributing something such as ibuprofen
- I don’t know how they distribute their workload.
Bills:
SB1095, SB1127, SB1170, SB1208, SB1211, SB1237, SB1239, SB1240, SB1243, SB1244, SB1259, SB1283
Keywords:
gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, reporting abuse, child neglect, mandatory reporting, child safety, medical treatment, faith exemptions, penalties, narcotic drugs, fentanyl, sentencing, drug offenses, juvenile justice
Summary:
The committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes and held SB 1208. It then heard SB 1211, which would allow victims of felony aggravated harassment involving domestic violence to seek a lifetime injunction against the convicted defendant. The sponsor said the bill came from fellowship participants, and supporters from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, Amberle’s Place, and survivor advocates testified that repeated harassment and re-traumatization justify permanent protection. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1211 a do pass recommendation.
Next, the committee considered SB 1239, which removes the statute of limitations for failing to register as a sex offender. The sponsor said DPS requested the change to close a loophole and hold offenders accountable even years later. Opponents from Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice argued existing warrant and registration processes already address the problem and that eliminating the time limit raises due process concerns and risks stale prosecutions. After discussion, the committee approved SB 1239 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee also heard SB 1240, which excludes probationers convicted of dangerous crimes against children from the probation incentive payment formula. The sponsor tied the bill to a recent child sexual assault case and said the incentive system should not count these offenders. Opponents warned it could push probation departments to send more people to prison instead of treatment and that the bill’s language is broad. The committee passed SB 1240 on a 4-3 vote. It then took up SB 1095, as amended, which bans gender transition procedures and referrals for minors and limits public funding and use of public facilities for such care; supporters framed it as protecting children and parental rights, while opponents called it discriminatory and medically unsound. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 4-3 do pass as amended recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1243 and SB 1244, both dealing with court-ordered mental health treatment. SB 1243 requires notice to guardians when a patient may be released early or when treatment may not be renewed, and allows guardians to seek an independent evaluation and petition for continued treatment; supporters said it helps families prevent dangerous gaps in care, while opponents raised due process concerns about non-medical guardians initiating petitions. The committee passed SB 1243 unanimously. SB 1244 creates a continuing court-ordered treatment process after a second consecutive annual review, reducing repeated renewal hearings while preserving annual reporting and objections; supporters said it prevents dangerous lapses in treatment for the sickest patients, while opponents warned it could weaken due process and allow indefinite confinement. The committee adopted an amendment and passed SB 1244 on a 6-1 vote.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 10, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Major General Greg Porter, and I serve as the adjutant general for the Wyoming National Guard
- So we must generate military these days.
- <00:53:46.800>
a department shall dis distribute a department shall dis distribute a reinlistment - Chairman Chairman Chairman >> general >> general >> general >> Mr.<00:58:44.799
- That's just a general<01:04:41.599>
thought. general thought. general thought.
Bills:
HB0032
Keywords:
English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Revenue may not be used for general revenue purposes.
- Revenue may not be used for general revenue purposes.
- Dispatchable electric generation facilities are eligible for this program as a means of encouraging generation
- Look, I love generation. I'm friends with generators. This isn't the mechanism.
- Over 61,000 came to Houston in 2022, which generated over $23 million in economic impact. ...which generated
Keywords:
hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy
Summary:
The committee heard a series of bills, mostly related to economic development, tax incentives, and workforce programs. Senate Bill 1534 would direct a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission on health physics education and workforce needs; resource witnesses from the Workforce Commission and Coordinating Board testified, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1553 would authorize Kerr County to impose a hotel occupancy tax for tourism-related uses, and Senate Bills 1086 and 1087 would authorize similar county hotel taxes for Children’s County and Mason County; all three bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1754, which would prohibit county and local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power wholesale, with testimony sharply divided between landowners and policy groups opposing renewable subsidies and industry representatives and some senators arguing the bill would harm clean energy investment and local decision-making; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2322, which would exempt dispatchable electric generation facilities from the JEDI program’s compelling-factor test so they could qualify for school district tax incentives; testimony was mixed, and the bill was left pending.
Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 1718, which would add the NRA annual meeting to the state’s major events reimbursement program. The bill’s sponsor and NRA representatives argued the event brings substantial tourism and economic activity, while opponents said it would use taxpayer funds to subsidize an organization that opposes gun safety measures; the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events reimbursement program, with the committee substitute exempting it from the usual competitive site-selection requirement because of timing; testimony from the event organizers and Arlington tourism officials was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support college-and-career readiness and technical assistance in rural communities; witnesses from Texas 2036, Collegiate Edgination, and a rural school district supported it, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 913 would repeal a special requirement that Alpine dedicate at least 50% of its hotel occupancy tax to advertising and promotion, and Senate Bill 1143 would require more coordination and reporting for youth workforce programs serving disconnected young Texans; both bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. At the end of the hearing, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- The other half would go in the general fund. So you might say this is a tax.
- The other half would go in the general fund.
- <00:36:26.240>
The deposited in the state general fund. - The deposited in the state general fund.
- and distribute the commemorative coins. and distribute the commemorative coins.
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 2191, which would expand the allowable uses of municipal use tax funds. The bill would add sidewalks to the list of eligible projects and remove remaining restrictive language that limited use tax spending to roads and bridges. A senator asked for confirmation that the funds would be limited to publicly owned property of the local government, and the sponsor confirmed that was the intent. The committee approved the bill and reported it out.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2257, the Mississippi Land Bank Act, which would create a local land bank tool for cities and counties to acquire, manage, and return vacant, abandoned, and tax-forfeited properties to productive use. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help address blight, especially properties held at the Secretary of State’s office, and emphasized that land banks would be locally created, subject to public accountability requirements, and barred from using eminent domain. The committee adopted the bill and reported it out.
Members also discussed Senate Bill 2828, a committee substitute that would impose a fee on international wire transfers, with a credit available to Mississippi income taxpayers. The sponsor said half of the revenue would go to DPS for 287(g) programs and half to the general fund. An amendment was adopted to exempt certain transactions funded through U.S.-issued debit or credit cards or withdrawn from federally insured accounts. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out. Later bills included SB 2863, creating a Jackson County industrial zone exempt from municipal annexation, and SB 2862, a related annexation measure brought forward with a reverse repealer; both were advanced after brief discussion. The committee also approved SB 2909, which lowers the unreduced retirement threshold in Tier 5 from 35 years to 30 years, and SB 2885, the Mississippi Work and Save program, a voluntary state-treasurer-run retirement savings option for small employers and employees. Throughout, the committee generally asked limited clarifying questions and then voted to adopt committee substitutes and report the bills out.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Schultz, I will move your bill to go to the General Register.
- <00:50:57.559>
a clarification um kind of generally a clarification um kind of generally a - I encourage support and to see this through to the General Register. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- I will renew my motion that House File 47 be passed and sent to the General Register.
- The motion passes, and the bill will be sent on to the General Register.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- The next slide shows the Governor's proposed budget as it relates to general revenue.
- million to the SAFE program to support local law enforcement and combat fentanyl trafficking and distribution
- As it relates to capacity in general, I want to thank our governor, because had it not been for Governor
- They were distributed without buttons. It's not the incarcerated person's issue.
- This bill directs the Division of Telecommunications to work with the enhanced and next-generation 911
Keywords:
cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues.
The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups.
Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Natural Resources REVISED Jan 8th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- So, as generally, passes that out, she'll then go around with little cups.
- They can be general or they can be specifically related to that permit application.
- They are very specific to the program, so they're not general off-the-shelf type platforms and can't
- They, in turn, have a local distribution process where they.
- It's distributed through fewer.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- An LPPF is a mechanism for counties to generate funding for their hospitals and is a necessary tool to
- An LPPF is a mechanism for counties to generate funding for their hospitals and is a necessary tool to
- And it’s because as the city grows you really won’t even notice it unless we turn into some giant general
- and it's because as the city grows you really won't even notice it unless we turn into some giant general
- you operate a small family-owned grocery store, an independent pharmacy, a food bank, or a major distribution
Bills:
SB1331, SB1375, SB1443, SB1578, SB2251, SB2519, SB2553, SB2655, SB2764, SB2907, SB3030, SB3033, SB3035, SB3036, SB3037, SB3043, SB3047, SB3050, SB3051, SB3056, SB3057, SB3063, HB9, HB467, HB331, HB1244, HB1399, HB2559, HB2730, HB3307, HJR1, HJR99, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SJR78, HB1327, HB2723
Keywords:
civil service, firefighters, police officers, municipalities, local government, repeal, voter petition, health care, provider participation, continuation programs, population-based regulation, health care provider participation, Medicaid, hospital funding, voluntary compliance, mandatory payments, public health, healthcare program, county participation, nonpublic hospitals
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government heard several bills, most of them left pending after brief public testimony. House Bill 331, by Rep. Patterson and sponsored by Sen. Hinojosa, would create a presumption that firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who suffer a heart attack or stroke within eight hours after a strenuous shift were injured in the line of duty for workers’ compensation purposes; testimony from a firefighters’ association supported the bill, and it was left pending. Senate Bill 2655, by Sen. Flores, would authorize Burnet County to establish a local provider participation fund to help support local hospital services; a hospital administrator testified in support, and the committee substitute was left pending. Senate Bill 1443, by Sen. Hughes, would extend the Northeast Healthcare Provider Participation District in three counties, and House Bill 3307, by Rep. Noble, would allow property tax arbitrators to complete required continuing education online; both were left pending without opposition. Senate Bill 3048, by Sen. Birdwell, would create the Bluebonnet Hills Municipal Management District in Midlothian and was also left pending.
The committee then took up House Bill 9 and HJR 1, sponsored by Sen. Bettencourt, which would raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000 and place the constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Business groups, realtors, and taxpayers’ advocates testified in strong support, saying the change would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and help balance earlier homeowner tax relief. The City of Fort Worth testified in opposition, warning of a revenue shift to homeowners and budget impacts, but the committee adopted the committee substitutes and reported both measures to the full Senate on 6-0 votes.
The committee also heard House Bill 1399 and HJR 99, by Sen. Nichols, to exempt animal feed from property tax when it is already sales-tax exempt; no one testified against them, and both were left pending. Senate Bill 2553, by Sen. West, would let owners of historic archaeological sites protest land and structure appraisals separately, and it was left pending after supportive testimony. Senate Bill 2907 and SJR 78, also by Sen. West, would exempt certain perishable inventory, including food and some prescription drugs, from property tax if approved by voters; pharmacists, business groups, a researcher, and a coalition of retailers and food/medicine advocates supported the bill, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 1331, by Sen. Hancock and explained by Sen. Middleton, would lower the population threshold for certain municipal civil-service-related petition restrictions from 950,000 to 70,000; law enforcement representatives and a San Marcos police association supported it, and it was left pending. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Major General. General Thomas Schuessler, General, welcome. And Brigadier General.
- Brigadier General Moni Ulis. Did I say that correct, sir? Yes, sir. Welcome, General.
- My name is Brigadier General Monty Ulis and I'm the Deputy Adjutant General Army for the Texas Military
- That is General Ulis and General Camacho will come and talk to you, the Air and Army National Guard.
- So I'm going to call up now General Andrew Camacho. He's the Adjutant General for the Air side.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Or is that just general site readiness that any community could apply for?
- The executive recommended $3,000 more from the general fund than LFC.
- They backfill $250,000 from the general fund to maintain the apprenticeship amounts.
- However, only about 11% of that is from the general fund, mostly funded by federal funds.
- Both recommendations include just a small general fund increase of 1.9.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Economic DevelopmentNote: This video has been edited to include the opening roll call. Video footage begins at 00m:32s. Apr 7th, 2025
Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Revenue may not be used for general revenue purposes.
- It still isn't really affecting the presence of dispatchable generation.
- Consistent policy towards property rights and energy generation.
- Dispatchable electric generation facilities are eligible for this program as a means of encouraging generation
- Look, I love generation. I'm friends with generators. This isn't the mechanism.
Keywords:
hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy
Summary:
The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony.
The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending.
A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending.
The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- have a need for CTE there, but actually separate for general ed.
- CTE because they don't have a need for that, but actually separate for general ed.
- Can you explain why there's so much cost here, only in a very general way?
- we do them in September and distribute we do them in September and distribute them<01:43:48.159>
- So they're generally not putting fresh fruit, an abundant amount of vegetables.
Summary:
The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline.
The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it.
Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.