Video & Transcript Research : 'class action'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I wanted to take this opportunity to share an example of how plans are put into action by focusing
- Our parks team took quick action and relocated or evacuated park visitors to get them out of potential
- So we jumped into action over the three years following those 2015 floods.
- Historic sites have emergency action plans in place for each site, which are updated annually.
- We shut down the classes and move all the kids to their designated sheltered areas.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Megan Schumway, in support with Climate Action California, 350 Bay Area Action, and 350 Sacramento.
- David Martinez with Climate Action Campaign in support.
- David Martinez with Climate Action Campaign in support. Thomas Castro, authorized to speak.
- All customers, all customer classes deserve this opportunity.
- What if it doesn't work for that segment of customers as in a customer class?
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members.
AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote.
AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Jun 23rd, 2026
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- And if it puts one class of worker at a disadvantage, we are trying to help uplift in our societies,
- young people that may not get a four-year college education, but they damn sure can have a middle-class
- For California, that means supporting our innovation economy, our world-class universities, work for
- For California, that means supporting our innovation economy or world-class universities, work for our
- For California, that means supporting our innovation economy, our world-class universities, workforce
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I have served as the executive director of a community action agency for 25 years: Tri-County Community
- Oh teaching in class till 4:30? Okay.
- And we offer several vocational classes. Our auto tech is 100% placement.
- We added another welding class this year.
- We have two classes. We also started plumbing, electrical construction.
Keywords:
tuition, resident status, incarceration, education, equal access, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider one bill, a postponed bill, and a slate of trustee confirmations. The committee first took up CS/SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund to support health science workforce shortages beyond nursing, including allied health programs. The bill also broadens eligible uses of funds, revises matching requirements and grant criteria, and updates reporting requirements. A strike-all amendment was adopted without objection, and the committee then reported the bill favorably after supportive testimony from Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Florida Hospital Association, the College of Central Florida, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Senator Davis also noted a favorable vote on the bill for the record.
The committee then temporarily postponed SB 720 at the sponsor’s request. Chair Harrell explained that the bill had been incorporated into a larger committee measure and would likely be heard later in another form. Public witnesses who had come to speak on the bill were not heard because of the postponement.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at several state colleges, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. The appointees emphasized themes of affordability, workforce training, nursing and allied health success, dual enrollment, community partnerships, and local economic development. After hearing from the appointees, the committee approved a block motion to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 2 through 25. The meeting then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Mar 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that action was caused by... ...the federal government's action versus, you know, in some of these
- And so for your first question about class action, if we are successful, or I mean, even if there may
- be an opportunity for a class action lawsuit, I haven't done a whole lot of class action, so I know
- action... ...if we do get a favorable decision, it will open up the opportunity, whether it's class
- or whether it's through manmade action.
Summary:
The committee opened its third interim meeting with roll call, approved the November 13, 2025 minutes, and the chair reviewed prior committee work, including a denied request for a fertilizer-capacity study and a planned later discussion of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger issue. Commissioner Doug Goring then presented Department of Agriculture updates on uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, the state’s irrigation potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and supply in North Dakota. Members asked about funding sources, fertilizer storage and availability, natural gas and water needs for future fertilizer plants, and how the model zoning website would help counties and townships apply setback and odor tools.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the department is proposing changes to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and updated hydrologic data, while still limiting the model to direct, demonstrable costs and benefits. He said the goal is to make the analysis more realistic and consistent without changing statute, and he provided examples of how project benefits could change as drains age or as rainfall and flood data evolve. Committee members and water-user representatives generally supported continued work on the proposal, while raising concerns about downstream impacts, closed-basin projects, and whether the changes would meaningfully affect project approvals.
The committee then heard from John Paskowski, state engineer, on Devil’s Lake, the West End and East End outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. He reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow limits, and explained that the control structure is intended to prevent a catastrophic uncontrolled release by slowing erosion and head cutting. Members asked about water quality trends, the length of the downstream flow constraint, and whether the Tolna Coulee area had been studied for possible natural overflow or silt buildup. The discussion emphasized ongoing flooding concerns, mitigation for affected landowners, and the need to balance outlet operations with downstream water quality and infrastructure protection.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, I've never had any disciplinary action against me besides this.
- None of us should have the right to take actions that can result in harm to many others.
- He starts making zeros in all his classes. So we're catching up, trying to...
- Like Class E, and so somebody gets fined for practicing without a license. Okay. Thank you.
- Several prerequisite classes in basic sciences are required.
Bills:
HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- one of my favorite classes was metallurgy.
- The class was always fascinating to me.
- credit classes.
- a full load of five classes, but they're not five high school and five completely separate college classes
- But are you teaching high school classes, or are high school teachers teaching college classes?
Summary:
The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs.
Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system.
The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 2438 - Transportation Omnibus - 05/09/25
Transcript Highlights:
- injury they complete the state action report<00:14:20.959>
that <00:14:21.199>I <00:14: - I also teach EV market and technologies class at the University of St. Thomas.
- would be to index the current $75 action would be to index the current $75 EV<00:31:30.960>
gas - My name is MJ Carpio, executive director of Move Minnesota and Move Minnesota Action.
- Uh for for the Move Minnesota Action.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/13/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Urban municipality means the municipality other than a city of the first class that is adjacent to or
- Urban municipality means the municipality other than a city of the first class that is adjacent to or
- so um senat Balden any first class so um senat Balden any closing<00:34:45.000>
comments <00:34 - State action is now the problem.
- is now the problem cities have action is now the problem cities have currently<00:48:33.760>
the<
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- She's now the Baltimore County Executive, Kathy Class Meerson. >> County Executive Kathy Class Meers
- We have gone through and direct action.
- Why sitins, marches, and so action? Why sitins, marches, and so forth?
- Nonviolent comm community action.
- Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was well timed.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Pastor Ray Cotton of Mount Si Baptist Church, who prayed for wisdom, integrity, courage, compassion, and protection for lawmakers. The senator from the 45th district introduced the pastor and praised his long ministry and community leadership. The chamber then recorded a quorum and moved through brief introductions of guests, including constituents from District 22, local elected officials, a junior senator from District 8, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, and a new group of student pages from several districts.
The Senate handled limited business, including the reading and referral of Senate Bill 257, the Mel Noland Woodland Initiatives and Fellowship Fund reporting bill, and two bond initiatives for the Linthicum Ferndale Youth Athletic Association and Carol Manor Elementary School. Leaders noted that committee hearings would be busy in the coming week and that the desk was otherwise clear. There was also an announcement encouraging members to watch the documentary "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round," tied to Glen Echo Park desegregation history and the legacy of former Senator Gwen Britt.
The main event was the annual Martin Luther King Jr. remarks by the senator from the 45th district. The speech focused on passages from the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," emphasizing King’s discipline, nonviolent strategy, the interconnectedness of communities, the role of constructive tension, the need to demand justice rather than wait indefinitely, and the moral distinction between just and unjust laws. The senator framed King as both a strategist and a builder of institutions, and argued that lawmakers should measure their work against those principles. The chamber responded with strong applause, and the remarks were journalized without objection.
After a final quorum call confirmed 43 members present, the Senate remained in session briefly and then adjourned without objection until Tuesday, January 20 at 10 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- In those same communities, there are people who want to take action because they care.
- Um, and some of those are even just summer school classes. Um, not not just summer school classes.
- Um, not not just summer school classes.
- And it's nice for the parents classes.
- Let us not wait for another tragic story to spur us into action.
Keywords:
children, youth programming, needs assessment, community engagement, state funding, education, funding, school districts, state budget, rural schools, food support, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, food shelves, grant funding, Minnesota FoodShare, early childhood, Head Start, education funding, developmental programs, literacy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of actions that are not prohibited by this law.
- It does this by allowing a private right of action against the abortion drug industry.
- There's no cause of action. There's no civil or criminal liability, whatever.
- These actions are illegal under our pro-life laws, but enforcement remains difficult.
- It's not about actions taking place in other states.
Keywords:
trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 25, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- A police officer is aware that actions.
- So, please pass this bill. ...to be exposed to these horrific actions?
- talking about the most serious classes talking about the most serious classes of<01:49:35.040>
- > convicted of class A and class B convicted of class A and class B felonies.<02:11:32.400>
Felonies - <03:25:15.359>
not <03:25:15.600>otherwise actions that they would not otherwise actions - > convicted of class A and class B convicted of class A and class B felonies.<02:11:32.400>
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on two immigration-enforcement bills: HB 1886 HD1 and HB 2540 HD1. HB 1886 would limit state and federal collaboration in immigration enforcement, require visible identification and restrictions on facial coverings for law enforcement officers, and create offenses for improper masking, lack of identification, and unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest, or detention. HB 2540 would also limit state and federal collaboration, require law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written civil immigration enforcement policies, prohibit stops or arrests based solely on immigration status, and restrict state and county participation in civil immigration enforcement in certain places.
Most testimony supported both measures. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and several private individuals said the bills would increase transparency, accountability, and community trust, and would help protect constitutional rights and reduce fear among immigrants and other community members. Several testifiers emphasized Hawaii’s history and the need to keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, while others said the bills would help people feel safer going to court, school, work, or public protests. A retired police officer also supported visible identification and uniform standards for officers, including federal agents operating in Hawaii.
A few testifiers opposed the use of masked or unidentified officers and argued that local police should not be diverted from ordinary public safety duties to immigration enforcement. One ACLU witness noted that the federal government has increasingly used local and state agencies to expand immigration enforcement, and said the task-force provisions in the bills are important to prevent blurred lines between agencies. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, but it recorded very large numbers of supportive testimonies for both bills, with only a small number in opposition.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Oct 14th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- It will be a first of its kind, best-in-class state veteran nursing home in the nation.
- The training from June 1 to 5—is it a five-day class or is it one? No, sir.
- The training from June 1 to 5 is it a five-day class or is it one? No, sir.
- , like one- or two-hour classes.
- They can attend online as part of the class that's going on inside of the actual facility.
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7.
The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system.
Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Those reports of investigation go to the board, and then adjudication or a dismissal, that action is
- is taken by the board from that action is taken by the board from there<00:14:20.440>
maintenance - would consider emergent that action would consider emergent that action needs<00:20:39.039>
to - <04:06:16.720>
I have to be enrolled in the class I have to be enrolled in the class I believe - subdivision and how disciplinary actions subdivision and how disciplinary actions by<04:51:22.680
Summary:
The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward.
The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 2nd, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you guys can look in this report and the audit starting on page 8, I love looking at actionable
- He and his wife are going through all kinds of nightmares with classes and counseling and stuff.
- He has lost $20,000 in annual income simply because of all the classes he's been having to take for things
- He and his wife are going through all kinds of nightmares with classes and counseling and stuff.
- He has lost $20,000 in annual income simply because of all the classes he's been having to take for things
Summary:
The committee met to review an audit and recommendations from the Alliance for Opportunity on reforming Arkansas workforce and social service delivery. Members discussed creating a more integrated, regional, “one-door” system that would combine eligibility screening, job training, and service referrals across DHS, workforce, health, and related programs, with an emphasis on reducing administrative overhead and redirecting more funds to direct services and training. Several members raised the need to include groups such as people in generational poverty, rural residents, reentry populations, and people involved in the court system, while also ensuring access for those without digital skills or technology.
Artificial intelligence was a major topic. Members suggested using AI and a centralized database or virtual hub to pre-populate forms, identify program eligibility, notify workforce agencies, and improve efficiency, while still maintaining case managers and in-person support for those who need it. There was also discussion of benefit cliffs, DHS processes that may hinder employment, and the need for industry input and working groups to study AI and other issues. Members repeatedly asked for measurable outcomes, including return-on-investment estimates, cost savings, and performance metrics tied to the number of people moved into self-sufficiency and employment.
The committee then reviewed a draft consultant services agreement with Work Ed Consulting LLC, represented by Mason Bishop, to assist with the study under Act 145 of 2025. The contract would run from March 20, 2025 through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000 plus possible additional services up to 10% if approved. Bishop said his work would include ongoing ROI updates and that his experience included helping create Utah’s workforce department and assisting Louisiana with similar reforms. After questions about oversight and deliverables, Representative Beck moved to advance the contract, Senator Sullivan seconded, and the committee approved it by voice vote before adjourning.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So finally, there's no clear accountability system to the measure whether this bill action actually will
- Great to have is that many kids in my school are costly, removed from the other classes to retake these
- getting pulled out for either one deal, biology, it just snowballs and makes the kid struggle in the class
- it is. 30 1% are great, but not so destructive that they're missing critical destruction and their classes
- Unlike the zombies that are in our 07:00AM classes. This is the problem.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Our mission is to represent residential and small commercial consumers as a class in utility proceedings
- Our mission is to represent residential and small commercial consumers as a class in utility proceedings
- electric base rate case, it's not unusual to hire four or more experts: a revenue requirement expert, a class
- Yes, sir, absolutely, and we represent them as a class when it comes to the actual cases.
- important function for licensing... skilled professionals who meet educational standards and whose actions
Bills:
SB1
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met to review Article 8, regulatory agencies, and began Article 9, general provisions, before recessing for floor action. The committee first heard budget presentations from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). The PUC budget recommendation was about $5.07 billion in all funds, including an additional $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, plus funding for staffing and technology needs tied to contested cases, infrastructure resiliency, and outage mapping. PUC witnesses emphasized the agency’s growing workload, the need for more staff and modern systems, and oversight of the Texas Energy Fund. OPUC’s recommendation was about $6.9 million, with a reduction in authorized FTEs to better match actual staffing; the agency requested additional funding for salaries, expert witnesses, and budget flexibility, and members highlighted OPUC’s role representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility proceedings.
The committee then heard from the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), whose recommendation was just over $11.2 million. BHEC’s main requests included funding to fill vacant positions, money for continuous National Practitioner Data Bank queries, and a proposed Texas-owned psychology licensing exam in response to concerns about changes to the national exam. Agency leaders also discussed a rider request that would shift responsibility for certain judgments or settlements to the comptroller. Members asked about prior complaint backlogs, and BHEC said those backlogs had been cleared. The Board of Chiropractic Examiners followed, with a recommendation of just under $2.4 million; the board sought support for staffing, training, broadband, and salary retention, and described its work regulating chiropractors and workers’ compensation-related doctors.
The Board of Dental Examiners was the last agency heard before the committee recessed. Its recommendation was just under $10 million, and it requested a 10% salary increase for eligible staff, three additional licensing staff, one staff member to handle required background checks, an additional attorney, and an executive director salary adjustment. Dental board witnesses said licensure growth, increased complaints, and low salaries were straining licensing and enforcement operations, even though the agency reported strong performance and high case completion rates. The chair ended the hearing early because the Senate had to return to the floor, and the committee remained in recess.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not used to grade how a teacher teaches their class or anything of that nature.
- That is important because if there was corrective action, it would be with that employee.
- So I was wondering how that would happen if someone opposes having a camera in a class.
- Accommodations, so let's say it's read aloud in class.
- Last year, I had problems with my IEP not being followed in math class.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:39:48.400>
size, not limited to reducing class size, not limited to reducing class size - However, we continue to face challenges, including high class sizes and loss of programming.
- <01:32:40.960>
Thank appropriate action based on that. - Thank appropriate action based on that.
- Thank you. ...not treat them like second-class workers.