Transcript Highlights:

• I want to read something that I got from a constituent that I think a lot of you have also received.
• The next one is from the gentleman who I read his email.
• I actually asked him to read his email.
• came in and you know, then it finally came in and they<00:09:32.200> watched<00:09:32.680>
• I think I read the other day that we are losing—we lost another billion dollars tax base last year.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Methane gas emissions in the San Juan Basin, and then finally, statewide carbon.
• The vote is final. Senator Campos, your bill has been tabled. Senate Bill 83.
• Line or two before there on the reading proficiency, math proficiency, etc., most of this programming
• Senator Thornton: Senator Trujillo's final explanation. I'm definitely yes. Thank you.
• Trujillo's final explanation. Definitely yes. Senator Pope: Yes. Senator Soules: Yes.

Bills: SB83, SB106, SB107, SB123, SJR1

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• If you would please have the clerk read Senate Citation 001 in its entirety, please. Mr.
• Will the clerk please read Senate Resolution 10 by title only? Mr.
• Thank you. read Senate Resolution 10 by title only? read Senate Resolution 10 by title only?
• Final order of business for the day is adjournment.
• Final order of >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 37 members. The chamber approved the journal from Monday, January 12, 2026, and then moved through routine business including recessing briefly for the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees. The Committee on Committees reported referrals of Senate Bill 7, Senate Joint Resolution 11, and Senate Joint Resolution 27 to Transportation, and Senate Resolutions 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31 to the Senate floor. Several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on identity documents, youth vaping prevention, local occupational license fees and taxes, healthcare provider credentialing, constitutional amendments on voting and restoration of rights, substance use disorder medication regulations, forcible entry and detainer, coroner response times, special needs trusts, immigration enforcement collaboration, and a resolution recognizing Physician Anesthesiologist Week. The Senate also adopted Senate Citation 001 honoring Shelby County Sheriff Mark Moore as the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year, and adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring David Delvin Drake. A major floor discussion centered on Senate Resolution 10, which honored the victims of the UPS Flight 2976 crash and commended first responders. Senator Herron described the crash, named the victims, and thanked emergency responders and government partners; the resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. Another extended discussion came from the Senator from Marion regarding the I-69 bridge project, explaining the bipartisan effort behind the project, the push for a federal grant, and the state’s tolling requirements if no grant is secured. The Senate also heard announcements about committee meetings, upcoming receptions, and a film release, and several members requested co-sponsorships on various bills before the chamber adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• note that any written testimony submitted to the committee is considered public comment and may be read
• I'll read those in detail when we do have a quorum. We will be discussing 11 bills today.
• And finally, prohibiting any two- or three-wheeled device that can exceed 20 miles.
• I think we finally have a partnership that's going to go a long way. Thank you again.
• I'll let the secretary call them out as a final. We had 14 ayes. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I love to read. You love to read. Wonderful.
• Okay, members, is there any final discussion? Okay, members, is there any final discussion?
• And as a result, members, is there any final discussion?
• Finally, the department making payments to schools that did not submit expenditure reports Finally, the
• Okay, is there any final discussion?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 283, having received a previous reading, shall be considered as having its second reading
• , having received a previous reading, having received a previous reading, shall<00:08:19.199>
• on trial when it read the written order. on trial when it read the written order.
• to present the bill as it will finally to present the bill as it will finally be<02:31:38.960>
• Appropriations given a second reading Appropriations given a second reading and<03:12:55.920>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't take the time to read them now, but I will happily send you a PDF so you can read them later.
• I won't take the time to read voice.
• <00:14:18.880> The PDF so you can read them later. The PDF so you can read them later.
• And<01:07:28.640> in<01:07:28.960> reading And in reading And in reading when<01:07:30.640
• It was like reading chilling.

Bills: HB0008, HB0009

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:24.200> phase, within the third and final phase, within the third and final phase,
• And finally, engaging residents packets.
• This was at the end, and um I'll just read it to you.
• It says, um I'll just read it to you.
• c> three<01:51:16.000> pollutants Finally, there are only three pollutants Finally, there

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, and just raise your hand when I read your name, please.
• Finally, I want to thank God for everything, especially the challenges which make me rely on him.
• So again, I'm going to read you the statute again.
• I've read many, many articles about market distortions.
• Senator, I actually have been reading the Small Business Act at night.

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary will read the resolution.
• The Secretary will read the resolution.
• The Secretary will read the resolution.
• The Secretary will read the resolution.
• The Secretary will read the resolution.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yep, and that's just getting it into the, uh, final form as far as, uh, just changing when, um, appointments
• Yep, and that's just getting it into the, uh, final form as far as, uh, just changing when, um, appointments
• That being said, we are not necessarily led to $50 being the final fee, nor do we envision needing to
• We're just going to lay the bill over, so any final comments? Representative Craft, thank you, Mr.
• Seeing no other member comments, Representative Myers, your final comments, please?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will read.
• Clerk will read.
• Clerk will read.
• The clerk will read.
• The clerk will read.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long floor session focused heavily on budget trailer bills, labor agreements, housing, environmental review, and several resolutions. Members also introduced visiting guests, including family members, district staff, Mandela Washington Fellows, and UC Berkeley public policy students. Procedural motions were taken up early, including a successful roll-call vote to suspend rules so certain budget-related bills could be heard without reference to file. The chamber approved several major budget measures. SB 129, the labor trailer bill, passed 56-4 after supporters said it made technical budget adjustments, funded collective bargaining, supported In-Home Supportive Services, and addressed pension and project-related issues. SB 131, the public resources and housing trailer bill, passed 50-3 after extensive debate over homelessness funding, CEQA exemptions, advanced manufacturing, high-speed rail, rural access to funds, tribal consultation, and environmental protections; multiple members voiced support while also urging follow-up changes. The Assembly also adopted SB 139, implementing agreements for professional and operating engineers, by 69-1, and SB 140, implementing the correctional officers’ agreement, by 71-0. Later, AB 130, the housing trailer bill, was taken up on concurrence in Senate amendments after a successful rule suspension; members discussed tribal consultation protections, CEQA reform, prevailing wage, and vehicle miles traveled provisions, with debate continuing as the transcript ended. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 927, extending the Williams inspection window for certain school districts, which passed 70-0. In addition, ACR 16 naming the 10th Street Bridge the POW/MIA Bridge passed 70-0. AJR 9, urging full and consistent federal funding for the National Park Service, drew broad bipartisan support and passed 66-0 after members highlighted California parks’ economic and cultural importance. HR 47, recognizing the Fourth of July and the Declaration of Independence, prompted extended remarks on democracy, civics, immigration, military service, and community celebrations before being adopted by voice vote with 64 co-authors added. The consent calendar was also adopted 64-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> For those who may not have read the entire bill, >> For those who may not have read the entire bill
• There's a final hearing that is about 15 days later and at that final hearing, like weaken the at that
• And then 15 days later we have this final hearing.
• And finally, the bill deals with commercial sexual exploitation of children.
• Appreciate what I would like to say is I didn't read the or after the participation of participation

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:30.800> and always knew what I wanted to read and always knew what I wanted to read
• Um please up with your final thoughts.
• I'm reading these remarks on High.
• <01:18:13.280> Final Thank you, Senator Kunish. Final Thank you, Senator Kunish.
• Senator Kunesh, final comments.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Has everyone had an opportunity to read the minutes?
• And the final other matter...
• Final question, if I may, Mr. Chairman.
• So I read that because the counties are subject to our state law.
• So I read that because the counties are subject to our state law.

Summary: The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses. Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings. The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it — and I'll go ahead and read it if that's okay.
• I would read the women considering...
• Finally, we're going to fix this eventually.
• And then finally, I know a lot...
• Finally.

Bills: HB229, HB229, HB3990, HB5082, HB5510

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district

Transcript Highlights:

• But what I also remember is him reading, him not being able to read the letters that were coming from
• read... ...the less land he owned, and that was our generational wealth gone.
• She could neither read nor write, yet she worked hard every day.
• This bill would finally create the infrastructure needed to change that.
• And, you know, I've read the reports that come to us about the conditions there.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• **Adriana Cruz**: ...is not because we're finalizing contracts.
• TFC's final exceptional item is the...
• Finally, I will go over our rider requests.
• Gentlemen, I'm gonna go read this audit because I want you to read the word.
• **Senator Bettencourt**: Because I want you to read the words. I mean, I'll read the words.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other final thoughts? Any other questions or comments?
• Any other final thoughts?
• Any other final thoughts? Your bill has a lot of really good ideas in it.
• Any other final thoughts? So, uh, Senate File 1561, as amended, will be laid over.
• Do you have any final comments? No? All right. Thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the court came up with its final the court came up with its final decision<01:44:08.040> because
• I apologize, I did not read their amendment.
• <01:54:47.679> not anything that's so it would read not anything that's so it would read not
• Finally, I'll leave it there. Okay, thanks, Mr.
• or blue tint Etc I'm not going to read or blue tint Etc I'm not going to read the<02:55:12.600><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal. On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking. On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.