Transcript Highlights:

• The EU also banned glitter and, you know, we've had conversations about mimicking that structure.
• Our opposition is really rooted in the process here and the structure of how we would get there.
• Our opposition is really rooted in kind of the process here and the structure of how we would get there
• In terms of content and the structure of where the L.A. permit has been in draft form, the fundamental
• It is a very complex structure that is raising a lot of concerns from the stormwater permittees statewide

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee explored potential structural and organizational changes to TDI aimed at improving the
• The committee explored potential structural and organizational changes to TDI aimed at improving the
• $290 billion insurance market larger than the budget of the state of Texas, a single-commissioner structure
• That type of onerous fee structure would fade into oblivion, given the light of day of the bill.
• So this sets up a structure that I think is a great model, really, for every taxing jurisdiction.

Bills: SJR85, SCR29, SCR38, SCR42, SB23, SB39, SB209, SB227, SB240, SB330, SB527, SB584, SB618, SB619, SB636, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB825, SB826, SB843, SB844, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB912, SB957, SB1013, SB1020, SB1065, SB1143, SB1152, SB1164, SB1183, SB1257, SB1299, SB1325, SB1349, SB1413, SB1455, SB1539, SB1558, SB1574, SB1583, SB1624, SB1642, SB1643, SB1667, SB1717, SB1718, SB1727, SB1734, SB1756, SB1757, SB1784, SB1789, SB1832, SB1868, SB1870, SB1883, SB1896, SB1920, SB1924, SB1963, SB2010, SB2018, SB2024, SB2037, SB2052, SB2073, SB2111, SB2161, SB2196, SB2207, SB2253, SB2268, SB2322, SB2323, SB2332, SB2349, SB2371, SB2533, SB2570, SB2601, SB2626, SB2692, SB2705, SB2717, SB2774, SB2788, SB2877, SB2920, SB2, SB260, SB1786, SB1, HJR4, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR85, SJR84, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR42, SCR29, SCR4, SCR18, SCR43, SCR46, SB2023, SB825, SB2010, SB1870, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB1505, SB583, SB957, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB618, SB393, SB1791, SB826, SB1257, SB870, SB529, SB209, SB1883, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1860, SB2037, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB1963, SB1643, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB1085, SB2431, SB1490, SB1868, SB2314, SB434, SB2046, SB1667, SB1727, SB2127, SB1975, SB1760, SB1734, SB1335, SB2246, SB2439, SB1624, SB1244, SB1468, SB2717, SB1612, SB1262, SB604, SB2395, SB1832, SB1745, SB1746, SB2207, SB1784, SB1524, SB528, SB437, SB269, SB1137, SB968, SB636, SB747, SB1325, SB1789, SB1455, SB2056, SB1940, SB2052, SB1579, SB2068, SB3034, SB844, SB1920, SB1558, SB1236, SB1044, SB884, SB463, SB227, SB240, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB1717, SB2141, SB2323, SB2200, SB2332, SB2199, SB1642, SB1757, SB2050, SB1138, SB2626, SB2458, SB1864, SB2201, SB1862, SB1583, SB1055, SB2660, SB1898, SB2662, SB2161, SB2964, SB2881, SB1065, SB801, SB2743, SB2533, SB1413, SB2073, SB3014, SB3013, SB2774, SB2702, SB2629, SB2443, SB2349, SB2167, SB2145, SB2121, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB438, SB1721, SB2268, SB1495, SB2705, SB2366, SB1422, SB1369, SB1013, SB682, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB1896, SB1164, SB1020, SB663, SB2371, SB1152, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2798, SB330, SB646, SB843, SB1998, SB1418, SB2788, SB1169, SB2873, SB1754, SB1534, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1143, SB1756, SB912, SB2119, SB2032, SB527, SB1580, SB1952, SB2601, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1183, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB39, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB23, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, HB135, HB1109, SCR48, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666

Keywords: Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval, school district revenue, tax rollback, disabled persons exemption, El Paso

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation by Rabbi Kelly Levy, a gubernatorial message naming appointees to the Red River and Nueces River Authority boards, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Texas Woman’s University athletes, the Doctor of the Day, Balch Springs Day, St. Mary’s University, Austin Oaks Church’s centennial, and a memorial resolution for Marie Flickinger, which was adopted after remarks from members and a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up a series of bills and resolutions. Several measures dealing with water and taxes were passed: Committee Substitute for SB 1413 on procedures for amending or revoking certificates of public convenience and necessity for certain water utilities; SB 1583 on groundwater conservation district management plans, amended by Blanco; SB 23 and SJR 85 to increase the school district homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners, both passing with one nay; SB 2774 to classify industrial uniform and linen rental businesses as retail trade for franchise tax purposes; and SCR 29 designating El Paso as the official boot capital of Texas for 10 years. Members also adopted SCR 49 recognizing Austin Oaks Church’s 100th anniversary and SR 424 recognizing Balch Springs Day. The Senate also advanced a package of insurance and regulatory bills. Committee Substitute for SB 1643 would require prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance for certain property and casualty rate changes over 10%, and Committee Substitute for SB 1642 would restructure TDI from a single commissioner to a three-commissioner model; both passed after debate about rising insurance costs, inflation, labor, reinsurance, and litigation. Committee Substitute for SB 1883, on land use assumptions, capital improvement plans, and impact fees, passed after discussion of transparency and local development costs. SB 826, enhancing penalties for DWI in an active school zone, passed with strong support. Two other controversial measures were also advanced: Committee Substitute for SB 1257, requiring health plan coverage for complications, reversals, and related care tied to gender transition procedures, passed to engrossment but was held there after a 20-11 vote; and Committee Substitute for SB 2024, banning disguised vape pens and, by amendment, hemp vape pens and other intoxicating-substance vape pens, passed. The final item shown was Committee Substitute for SB 240, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which was laid out by Senator Middleton and described as restricting access to sex-specific private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex, with civil penalties for violations; the transcript cuts off during the presentation of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 820 from the bill, as military time service credit does not align with the group’s benefit structure
• Texas entrepreneurs should have access to transparent, fairly structured capital, not a bait-and-switch
• There's no—because of the way the product is structured, you never know how long it's going to take that
• would impose unnecessary regulatory costs. ...disrupt how real estate transactions are commonly structured
• So it's a little different structure than we're all used to.

Bills: HB245, HB700, HB2783, HB3526, HB3900, HB4061, HB4124, HB4166, HB4395, HB4534, HB4609, HB4641, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HJR175, HB245

Keywords: military service, retirement, law enforcement, custodial officer, Employees Retirement System, commercial financing, brokers, registration, disclosures, finance, consumer protection, fees, deferred compensation, automatic participation, county employees, payroll deductions, retirement plans, fiscal transparency, local government, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we begin, I'll go over the structure for today's hearing.
• And we're not creating the same incentive structure of giving them the potential ability to sway the
• And we're not creating the same incentive structure of giving them the potential ability to sway the
• And we're not creating the same incentive structure of giving them the potential ability to sway the
• And we're not creating the same incentive structure of giving them the potential ability to sway the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the DOE is, a place where it can be a think tank and can help the schools and give guidance and structure
• the DOE is, a place where it can be a think tank and can help the schools and give guidance and structure
• the DOE is, a place where it can be a think tank and can help the schools and give guidance and structure
• the DOE is, a place where it can be a think tank and can help the schools and give guidance and structure
• the DOE is, a place where it can be a think tank and can help the schools and give guidance and structure

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:42:19.400> but<00:42:19.640> we<00:42:19.800> we're that needs to be structured
• but we we're that needs to be structured but we we're not<00:42:20.160> even<00:42:20.559>
• page on what what regulation<00:42:23.240> or<00:42:23.480> what<00:42:23.640> structure
• c><00:42:24.040> or<00:42:24.200> who<00:42:24.400> does regulation or what structure
• or who does regulation or what structure or who does this<00:42:25.319> and<00:42:25.480>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 202, adopting a committee substitute before hearing testimony. Senator Julie Rocky Adams explained that the substitute would require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate regulations by January 1, 2026 for intoxicating hemp-derived beverages, direct the University of Kentucky to study manufacturing, testing, distribution, sales, and consumer effects of those beverages, and impose a moratorium on their sale until July 1, 2026. Supporters, including Rep. Matt Cook, said the measure was intended as a consumer-protection step rather than a ban, citing concerns about youth access, inconsistent labeling, and the need for a clearer regulatory framework. Members asked about the legal status of the products, whether the bill could unintentionally sweep in non-intoxicating hemp beverages, and whether there was evidence of harm. Senators were told the products are legal under the federal farm bill loophole, but that testing has shown THC levels on sampled cans did not match labels and that current regulations do not specifically address intoxicating hemp-derived beverages. Senator Higdon said CHFS had already been authorized to regulate hemp products and was moving forward with regulations and enforcement, while Senator Meredith questioned whether a moratorium would unfairly punish businesses that had already invested in the market and suggested setting a THC standard instead. Public testimony then shifted to industry opposition. Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp said his company had invested heavily in a beverage line and argued the moratorium would function like a ban and harm small businesses. Dee Taylor of 502 Hemp and the Kentucky Hemp Association also opposed the moratorium, saying existing rules already require age limits, behind-the-counter sales, and licensed retailers, and arguing that a cap on milligrams would be preferable to a shutdown. He said retailers were seeing approved and unapproved products in the market and urged work with the Cabinet and ABC rather than a moratorium.

Transcript Highlights:

• The roofing and fourth floor structural demolition and modification bids are due April 24th of 2025.
• The roofing and fourth floor structural demolition and modification bids are due April 24th of 2025.
• There was a lot of investigation that was done, uh, in the walls, in underneath, in the, uh, um, structures
• There was a lot of investigation that was done, uh, in the walls, in underneath, in the, uh, um, structures
• There was a lot of investigation that was done, uh, in the walls, in underneath, in the, uh, um, structures

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 Capitol Renovations Update 00:00:40 Damage from Recent Disaster Discussion 00:33:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third meeting of the session and received an update on the Capitol renovation project from Finance and Administration Secretary Holly Johnson and State Budget Director John Hicks. They reported the project budget remains $291.52 million, with Messer Construction as construction manager, and said the temporary legislative chamber completion has slipped into 2025 because of wiring, voting machine, KET camera, and canopy work. They outlined the current bid schedule: site and utility bids due February 27, 2025; roofing and fourth-floor structural work due April 24; major renovation bids due May 23; bid review in late May and early June; roofing and fourth-floor work beginning in late June; and overall construction starting July 7, 2025. A major focus of the discussion was the project contingency, which officials said is only $10.8 million for an older building with significant unknown conditions. They explained that earlier investigations led to about $60 million in value engineering cuts, including more than $40 million tied to unexpectedly extensive terrace damage on the north, south, and east sides. The terraces were originally expected to need only minor work, but officials said investigations showed reconstruction would eventually be necessary and could not be handled by simple restoration. They also said the mechanical equipment plan changed from a basement location to a vault under the east parking lot, and that the west terrace will still see some ADA-related work. Committee members questioned why the terrace work was not included in the current budget, whether doing it later would cost more, and why bids and construction planning had taken so long. Officials said the terraces were left out because of cost, that future work would likely be more expensive because of market escalation, and that the timing reflected extensive investigation needed to produce reliable bids. Members also raised concerns about scaffolding and the temporary chambers; officials clarified that the scaffolding discussed was for the separate Capitol Dome project, not the chamber project, and said the Dome scaffolding is part of that project cost and is expected to come down in early 2027. They said the temporary chambers are expected to be used for three sessions, through the 28th session, with a return to the Capitol planned for the 29th session, and that public tours of the Capitol would likely end around June depending on the bid results and construction schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our steel structure reframing, our roof deck is completely..." "Our roof deck is completely done.
• In the foreground is the steel structure that's done. The roofing is done.
• What is in here that requires or that structures good communication, requires stakeholder feedback, requires
• This photo captures the overall footprint of the facility, showcasing the size of the new structure.
• Ultimately, this photo here shows the continuation of the foundation work going on in area G and the structural

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• In partnership with CDSS, this group recommended a four-module training structure and outlined topics
• the revised training increases accessibility for diverse audiences of mandated reporters, defines structural
• launch it in the fall/winter of 2026, which is ahead of the statutory timeline of July 1. training structure
• the revised training increases accessibility for diverse audiences of mandated reporters, defines structural
• We've developed a governance structure within Social Services, the agency, and the Department of Health

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• from our two regents represented today that we need significant reforms within our UW system, structurally
• Where we had campuses, you know, that were running structural deficits for years, okay, where that had
• Sometimes you need a top-down command-and-control structure.
• He was the only leader here in Wisconsin that was inspiring, was talented, what he did, the structural
• have known that there was this desire for innovation and there was this desire for some of this structural

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of a chickee hut provided the chickee is 10 feet from the property line and 10 feet from other structures
• Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a chickee hut is at least 20 feet away from another structure
• construction of a cheeky hut provided the cheeky is 10 feet from the property line and 10 feet from other structures
• The cheeky is 10 feet from the property line and 10 feet from other structure.
• Notwithstanding any other provision of law if a Cheeky Hut is at least 20 feet away from another structure

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored retiring Senate staffer Susan Miller and recognized a veteran injured in combat. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to returning messages from the House and began taking up bills and amendments. The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed SB 118 on RV park assessments and SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, both by 38-0 votes. It then took up the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity by tightening citizenship verification and ID rules; opponents argued it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled voters, and others without the newly required documents. The bill passed 27-12. The chamber also passed the education package SB 182 after adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, and approved SB 474 on military affairs, SB 425 on historic cemeteries, HB 929 on local regulation of chickees, and HB 35/SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation, all with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate then considered SB 902/ HB 733, the Department of Health package. Members adopted an amendment and amendment-to-amendment that preserved most Senate provisions while modifying or removing several House additions, including some early steps and medical marijuana-related changes, and the bill passed 37-0. The chamber also began work on HB 905, the foreign influence bill, with a strike-all amendment offered to expand restrictions on foreign influence, sister-city agreements, linkage institutes, and related activities, but the debate on that measure was still underway when the transcript ended. Several other returning messages and bills were temporarily postponed, and the Senate recessed briefly before resuming business.

Transcript Highlights:

• ATV rider that's looking to buy, so it kind of confuses them when they're looking at pricing and structures
• ATV rider that's looking to buy, so it kind of confuses them when they're looking at pricing and structures
• Borrowers would still have to show debt authorization from their governing structures, and WIFA would
• Borrowers would still have to show debt authorization from their governing structures, and WIFA would
• All applicants must get debt authorization from their governing structure, so there is no instance in

Bills: SB1041, SB1363, SB1418, SB1419, SB1445, SB1447, SB1488, SB1519, SB1523, SB1560, SB1580

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use

Summary: The committee took up several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with SB 1488, which would provide $600,000 for a workforce development study on coal-impacted communities in northern Arizona, including areas affected by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station. The sponsor and supporters said the study is intended to help communities transition economically, diversify, and support new jobs; the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1523, appropriating $340,000 to the Navajo Nation for the Ganado waterline pipeline project, was also advanced after testimony that the project would bring clean drinking water to about 235 homes and that the remaining funding gap had been reduced to the requested amount; it passed 7-0 with one member not voting. The committee then approved SB 1041, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund. Supporters described the Arizona Trail as a statewide recreational and cultural asset that needs maintenance and continued support, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1445, which would allow smaller cities and towns to use approved on-site bacteriological testing equipment and limit how often ADEQ may require sampling, drew concern from one member about whether the language could be read as restricting sampling during discharge events, but supporters said it would save small towns money; it passed 5-3. Members also advanced SB 1580, a $2.545 million appropriation for fire incident management software and hardware for fire and law enforcement agencies. Fire officials said the platform would improve accountability, information sharing, drone integration, and interoperability during incidents; the bill passed 5-3. SB 1363, which would create additional rural dispensary licensing opportunities for underserved areas, drew support from rural advocates and opposition from the dispensary industry over the number of licenses and transferability language; it passed 8-0. SB 1418, which would streamline siting for small modular nuclear reactors in certain counties, was supported by proponents who argued it would help Arizona meet future energy demand and opposed by counties and environmental groups concerned about local zoning, public review, and waste; it passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1419, a rooftop solar consumer-protection bill requiring added disclosures and inspections, was supported by county officials and some consumer advocates but opposed by solar industry representatives and environmental groups who said it could discourage rooftop solar and restrict speech; it passed 6-2. The committee then began hearing SB 1447, which would extend the groundwater withdrawal fee moratorium and related fund deadlines for Pinal County water projects, with supporters saying the extension is needed to continue well rehabilitation and infrastructure work after Colorado River and CAP-related cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you got a pretty robust funding structure in place.
• Twelve of those are for structured literacy coordinator positions in teacher education programs at a
• The other ones are for Quantum Institute, the Bureau of Geology and Minerals, structured small business
• recruitment initiatives and enhanced academic offerings that appeal to families seeking rigor and structure
• recruitment initiatives and enhanced academic offerings that appeal to families seeking rigor and structure

Bills: SB37, SB29

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but what we primarily do is we deal with rates, capital structure, uh, investments in uh fixed assets
• primarily do is we deal with raids, primarily do is we deal with raids, capital<00:05:52.800> structure
• uh<00:05:54.000> investments<00:05:54.639> in<00:05:55.120> uh capital structure
• , uh investments in uh capital structure, uh investments in uh fixed<00:05:55.680> assets<00:05
• this really just goes to the, it looked very carefully and we spent a lot of time looking at the structure

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• School is not designed to be a structured interview with a child.
• Groups of providers are identified, leading to unfairness in the arbitration cost structure and ambiguity
• This introduces a loser-pay structure, which incentivizes fair and reasonable negotiations before entering
• The core structure of Medicaid managed care restricts states from being able to set Medicaid rates, except
• And the last thing that I want to recommend is the committee member appointment structure.

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001, HB136

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it's about doing our due diligence, gathering the facts, and initiating a structured, inclusive conversation
• Um, it's about doing our due diligence, gathering the facts, and initiating a structured, inclusive conversation
• 00:41:15.200> and<00:41:15.440> initiating<00:41:15.920> a<00:41:16.160> structured
• , the facts, and initiating a structured, the facts, and initiating a structured, inclusive<00:41

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand like a structural engineer might be different than... a rural water engineer, not trying
• specificity, but the FE, all engineers that are going to become licensed have to take it, whether you're structural
• However, the fee structure post. some significant challenges.
• the way around the thing it's not a regulation it's it's a it's a recommendation 50 feet from any structure
• We cannot use the new permit structure to circumvent Texas three-tier alcohol. distribution system.

Bills: HB679, HB1764, HB1788, HB2186, HB2204, HB2418, HB2885, HB2983, HB2996, HB3250, HB3352, HB3756, HB3816, HB3913, HB3928, HB4077

Keywords: environment, regulation, land use, public health, community development, alcohol, Sunday sales, local option election, Texas, business hours, alcohol sales, liquor, off-premise consumption, alcoholic beverages, CPA, Certified Public Accountant, licensing, accountancy, state regulation, continuing education

Transcript Highlights:

• narrow class of institutions that don't qualify for membership in NC-SARA because of their business structure
• narrow class of institutions that don't qualify for membership in NC-SERA because of their business structure
• Madam President, Senate Bill 2039 clarifies, provides clarifications to what structures constitute ag
• Madam President, Senate Bill 2039 clarifies, provides clarifications to what structures constitute ag
• of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the definition of agriculture property and the farm structure

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 582 on unlawful demolition of historical buildings and structures.
• 20% of the fair or just market value of the property before demolition of a historic building or structure
• It modernizes the laws to reflect how health care systems are structured today, and it ensures Florida
• health care systems... ...the laws to reflect how health care systems are structured today, and it ensures
• the same financing flexibility as in other states and their competitors, regardless of how other structures

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with CS/SB 678, which would allow pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; it drew support from a business representative and was reported favorably. Members then heard several bills by Senator Leak, including SB 466 to designate St. Johns County as the site of the Florida Museum of Black History and create a board to work with the museum foundation and Florida Memorial University; the bill drew supportive testimony about preserving accurate Black history and the significance of the site, and it passed favorably. Leak’s CS/SB 578 would let Florida wineries use recyclable inserts and other alternative containers for larger wine sales, and it also passed favorably. SB 582 would increase penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, limiting the higher penalties to certain nationally or internationally recognized historic properties; it was supported by preservation advocates and reported favorably. CS/SB 1168 would create an aggravated offense for installing or using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of crimes such as murder, domestic violence, or robbery, and it passed favorably after a brief discussion about stalking and violent crimes. CS/SB 806 would make the Florida Attorney General the exclusive public official with standing to enforce Florida charitable trusts, limiting out-of-state attorneys general from suing over Florida-administered trusts; members debated whether this would burden out-of-state beneficiaries, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 1228 would advance spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee Springs and Santa Fe spring flows and allow a utility compliance plan amendment to deliver reclaimed water to replenish the aquifer; it passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 304 would require a qualified medical opinion in child protective investigations involving infants and young children with possible genetic or medical conditions that can mimic abuse, and it drew emotional support from parents and advocates before passing favorably. SB 1286 would clarify that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities like biking or playing outside do not constitute neglect absent reckless endangerment, and it was reported favorably. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated the most extensive debate: it renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the prohibition to handheld device use, and adds penalties in work zones and school zones; supporters cited fatal crash statistics and personal loss, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, racial disparities in traffic stops, and the need for broader distracted-driving and insurance reforms. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably after amendments. The committee also approved two claims bills, SB 14 for the estate of Penao-Hanvier against Miami Beach and SB 20 for J.N. against Hillsborough County, both settled claims recommended favorably by the special master. Finally, CS/SB 68 would modernize health facilities authority financing for private not-for-profit health systems, and CS/SB 172 would restrict misuse of health care specialty titles while preserving titles authorized under existing practice acts; both were discussed with questions about doctors, optometrists, and CRNAs, and both were reported favorably after amendment and debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tab 12, SB 582 on unlawful demolition of historical buildings and structures.
• 20% of the fair or just market value of the property before demolition of a historic building or structure
• It modernizes the laws to reflect how health care systems are structured today, and it ensures Florida
• health care systems... ...the laws to reflect how health care systems are structured today, and it ensures
• have the same financing flexibility as in other states and their competitors, regardless of other structures

Summary: The Committee on Rules took up a long agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included CS for SB 678, allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital, and SB 466, which designates St. Johns County as the site for the Florida Museum of Black History and creates a board to work with the supporting foundation and county officials. Senators and public speakers largely supported the museum bill, though some members asked about feasibility studies and long-term planning. The committee also approved CS for SB 578 on wine containers, SB 582 on penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, CS for SB 1168 creating an aggravated offense for unlawful tracking-device use in furtherance of crimes, CS for SB 806 clarifying that only the Florida Attorney General may represent beneficiaries of Florida charitable trusts as a public official, and SB 1228 to support spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee and Santa Fe springs. The committee then heard and favorably reported CS for CS for SB 304, which addresses child protective investigations involving infants and young children with genetic or other pre-existing medical conditions. The bill requires a qualified medical opinion before permanent removal in cases where injuries may be explained by an underlying condition, and it drew strong support from the sponsor and several speakers. Members also approved SB 1286 clarifying that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities, such as biking or playing outside, do not by themselves constitute neglect unless reckless, and SB 1318, a hands-free driving bill that renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the handheld-device prohibition, and adds penalties for handheld use in work and school zones and for certain serious crashes. The hands-free bill prompted the most debate, with supporters citing crash and fatality data and families sharing personal losses, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, and potential disparate impacts on lower-income and minority drivers; the bill was still reported favorably after amendments. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 14 and SB 20, two claims bills for injuries and deaths involving local governments, and CS for SB 68, which updates health facilities authority financing rules to reflect modern hospital structures. The committee also approved CS for SB 172 on health care practitioner specialty titles and designations after adopting an amendment protecting CRNA titles; the bill generated questions about whether licensed practitioners with doctoral degrees may still use the title doctor under their practice acts. Throughout the meeting, most bills were adopted without opposition, and the committee repeatedly voted to report them favorably.