Transcript Highlights:

• If you're paying the communication services tax, that can be as much as 14% or more, depending upon where
• Senators, this bill reflects Fortis Trust and tax collectors to deliver critical state motor vehicle
• We have Drew Minor from the Florida Tax Collectors Association, and he is waving and speaking in support
• stringent than those found in state requirements for education facilities of the Florida Building Code
• It's established by the fire code and established by the fire marshal and the physical capacity of the

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• gonna hear some stories about Paul now So back when I was director of voter registration in in the code
• Finally, members, SB 871 limits the governor's ability to suspend provisions of the Penal Code, Code
• of Criminal Procedure, or Election Code to the first 30 days of a disaster.
• Senate Bill 785 relating to the regulation of new HUD code manufactured housing.
• Or unintentionally remove some of the discipline codes that we're trying to fix. Thank you.

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• No matter our race, zip code, or income level, Minnesotans rely on our state and federal tax revenues
• resolution $4.2 trillion in tax cuts. resolution $4.2 trillion in tax cuts.
• I know some things about other state tax codes, but don't know them well enough to answer your question
• <00:40:29.520> codes,<00:40:29.920> but things about other state tax codes, but things
• about other state tax codes, but don't<00:40:30.480> know<00:40:30.560> them<00:40:30.800

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2591, the “Support Medicaid Not Millionaires Act,” laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Chair Gomez said the bill would create a fifth individual income tax tier on very high earners to offset any future federal Medicaid cuts, arguing that proposed federal budget changes would likely reduce Medicaid funding and create a large state budget hole. Gomez and other supporters framed Medicaid as essential for children, long-term care, mental health, substance use treatment, rural hospitals, and families across Minnesota, and criticized federal tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals. Several testifiers supported the bill. A SEIU Healthcare worker described how Medicaid supports her care for a disabled son and her own health needs, warning that cuts would threaten home care, hospitals, and nursing homes. A public health employee from the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees said recent state and federal layoffs had already weakened public health capacity and urged additional revenue to backfill losses. Other supporters, including community and faith leaders, said the wealthy and corporations should pay more to protect public services, youth programs, and Medicaid-funded care. A mental health provider testified that most of the people served by her clinic rely on Medicaid and that cuts would harm clinics, rural access, and the broader behavioral health system. Representative Anderson questioned whether the bill would affect Medicaid spending tied to undocumented immigrants and asked for data on MinnesotaCare and federal-state funding shares. Department of Human Services staff clarified that he was referring to MinnesotaCare, not Medicaid, and said Medicaid is generally matched by the federal government while MinnesotaCare does not have the same match. The exchange became contentious when Gomez objected to Anderson’s use of the term “illegal immigrants” and redirected the discussion back to the bill. Anderson also raised concerns about Medicaid fraud and whether the proposal would backfill any federal changes related to fraud enforcement. No vote was taken; the bill was simply laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• imposed by a taxing unit if the office of the collector for the taxing unit is closed on the delinquency
• In certain state and local taxes, the enactment of the uniform state sales tax and the related school
• Refer to the subcommittee on Property tax appraisals.
• The substitution of a county sale and use tax for all or a portion of the property taxes imposed by certain
• Of penalties that may be imposed for dealing with taxes and the tax reported to the application of the

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is reported. 4040, Comrie, and that's been the Administrative Code.
• The bill is reported. 1633, Martinez, and that's no tax law.
• The bill is reported. 1633, Martinez, and that's no tax law.
• The Administrative Code of the City of New York was reported.
• And after the Administrative Code of the City of New York.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules met and reported a long list of bills, with most measures advancing on unanimous or near-unanimous voice votes after motions and seconding by various senators. The bills covered a wide range of topics, including Environmental Conservation, Education, Executive Law, Civil Service, Public Health, Public Service, Election Law, Social Services, Correction Law, Traffic Law, General Law, Administrative Code, Retirement and Social Security, and several chapter-amendment or authorization measures. In many cases, the chair noted the bill number, sponsor, and subject area, then asked for objections; none were recorded, and the bill was reported. A few measures were laid aside by the sponsor, including bills referenced as 5711, 5727, and 9539, though the transcript is repetitive and some bill numbers/topics are difficult to discern because of transcription errors. Several bills involved retirement-related changes, including retroactive Tier 4 membership and other retirement system provisions, while others amended existing laws or chapters. The committee also reported bills affecting city administrative code provisions, public authorities, elder law, and public officers law. No substantive debate or testimony appears in the transcript; the meeting was largely procedural, focused on motions, seconds, and reporting bills out of committee. The final action on the listed measures was committee approval and reporting, with no recorded roll-call votes or amendments described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• . tax. tax.
• . tax. tax.
• . tax. tax.
• In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made amendments to the Internal Revenue Code at the federal level.
• estate tax. estate tax.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Tax Expenditure Review Commission met on June 17, 2026, approved the January 20, 2026 minutes, and then adopted updated commission procedures. The procedural changes, presented by Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson, required a quorum of voting members to complete evaluations before a formal recommendation vote, and allowed members to bundle or unbundle tax expenditures for voting. The commission approved the revised procedures by roll call vote, with five ayes and four excused. The commission then reviewed member evaluation summaries for tax expenditures presented in December 2025 and January 2026. It first considered the alcoholic beverage tax credits for small brewers and microdistilleries, and after discussion voted to recommend repeal of those two expenditures, while leaving the small winery credit for a later meeting because it lacked enough member responses under the new procedures. The vote on the repeal recommendation passed 4-1, with Commissioner Marquart voting no. The commission next approved the lawful gambling bundle, which included bingo, raffle, and related exemptions. Larson reported that most members recommended continuation for each item, and the commission voted to recommend continuing all six lawful gambling expenditures. It then reviewed the residential utility services bundle—residential heating fuels, residential water services, and sewer services—where members generally favored continuation but several noted possible modifications or caps for higher-income users; the commission voted to recommend continuation of the bundle. Finally, the commission reviewed the data center equipment sales tax exemption, which Larson said had an estimated annual revenue loss of $95 million and was intended to create jobs in construction and data center industries. Members raised questions about its effectiveness and whether the exemption should be modified or capped, but the commission ultimately voted to recommend continuation. The meeting concluded with these recommendations set to be included in the commission’s 2026 annual report.

Transcript Highlights:

• child abuse and neglect, driver's license suspensions, child support enforcement, determinations of tax
• Senate Bill 438 amends the government code to include both current and former administrative law judges
• vetoed by the governors because as the governor stated at the time, He was extremely busy cutting taxes
• Property taxes. Members, I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Seeing none.
• It establishes a comprehensive code of ethics, as was mentioned previously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, right, so Leitech... tax credits against federal corporate income tax liability and so this July
• We talked about the tax credit.
• Appraisals and tax rates are set at what the tax rates are, but I think. that uh not unlike the uh the
• It's just another tax on top If you own property in the state of Texas, you're taxed more than any other
• highest portion of a property owner's tax bill.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Code 1091.
• Everyone who works here in Texas pays taxes. We all pay sales tax when we shop here.
• I pay thousands in state and federal taxes, and I help families prepare their income tax.
• I paid thousands in state and federal taxes, and I helped families prepare their income taxes as well
• I could be wrong, but these people are paying property taxes and are also paying sales taxes as well.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• that they cannot levy for whatever tax that they cannot levy for whatever tax year. year. year.
• authorities<00:38:44.680> that these are all taxing authorities that these are all taxing
• What tax year this is from. What tax year this is from.
• <00:47:36.920> and in our application in property tax and in our application in property tax
• <02:50:56.880> classification, the NAICS code classification, the NAICS code classification

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our taxpayers are begging for relief: property taxes, income taxes, everything is too expensive.
• taxes income taxes<00:09:19.760> everything<00:09:20.200> is<00:09:20.360> too<
• 00:09:20.640> expensive taxes everything is too expensive taxes everything is too expensive inflation
• know if that's the best use of our tax know if that's the best use of our tax dollars<00:10:15.519
• <00:31:17.960> sales<00:31:18.399> tax taxes sales tax taxes sales tax increases<00:31:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Codes existing public infrastructure<01:04:58.920> environmental<01:04:59.520> codes<01
• Apartments, while subject to a lower tax rate, often generate more taxes than commercial.
• Apartments, while subject to a lower tax rate, often generate more taxes than commercial.
• Apartments, while subject to a lower tax rate, often generate more taxes than commercial.
• uh this would lead to property tax uh this would lead to property tax increases<01:35:34.199>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• credit, and the educational scholarship corporate income tax credit.
• credit, and the educational scholarship corporate income tax credit.
• credit, and the educational scholarship corporate income tax credit.
• paid for that property in the prior tax year.
• paid for that property in the prior tax year.

Bills: HM19

Keywords: New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• We do a lot of international engagement, IAEA, and we do codes and standards adoption.
• And when codes and standards are developed, the NRC understands how that answer will be done.
• So again, our tax dollars at good work, showing and doing the proof of concepts here, So again, our tax
• So we work on buildings and very sophisticated codes. We call it all together force.
• And if you start taking advantage of tax credits, we could compete with tax credits, but we don't want

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the availability of presentation materials, then moved into a series of technical briefings from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent federal and DOE efforts to streamline nuclear regulation for advanced reactors, including NRC Part 53 and upcoming Part 57 rulemaking, DOE authorization updates, crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements, and use of AI to speed licensing communications and document review. He emphasized that the goal is to align safety standards for advanced technologies, reduce rework for developers, and support deployment for commercial, defense, and research uses. In response to questions, he said there is no current plan to merge agencies, but there is more information-sharing and embedded NRC staff at DOE facilities; he also noted public outreach is supported through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, covering uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and recycling. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), DOE’s HALEU Availability Program, and the need to expand domestic enrichment, deconversion, and transportation capacity to support advanced reactors and the 2050 nuclear growth goal. He also reviewed used fuel management, including on-site storage at operating and shutdown reactors, the Center for Used Fuel Research at INL, a high-burnup research cask project, and the long-term repository question, which he said is ultimately political as well as technical. He outlined reprocessing approaches—aqueous/Purex, pyrochemical, and fluoride volatility—describing INL’s work on electrochemical processing of EBR-II fuel and noting industry interest from several companies in recycling technologies. Ashley Shields presented on AI for nuclear applications, describing INL’s use of generative AI, high-performance computing, and digital-twin tools to accelerate reactor design, licensing, operations, and materials development. She highlighted the Prometheus effort to pursue highly automated reactor design and operation, the large documentation burden for reactor licensing, and ongoing work on autonomous control, remote operation, and AI-assisted materials qualification through the Vulcan challenge and related data platforms. In questions, she said AI tools are used under data-governance and security controls, with different models chosen for different tasks, and argued that software engineers and human oversight remain necessary. The session ended with a brief recess announcement and a transition to a later presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• taxes with the state, and then the state hit the cap for that particular tax credit.
• for the tax credit.
• But this is a benevolent tax credit. Yes.
• This one just has the tax credit, the obsolete tax credit piece, correct? That is correct.
• Tax credits.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 123-0 roll call vote. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize National Police Week and honor fallen law enforcement officers with a moment of silence, and several members gave farewell remarks for departing colleagues and interns. The chamber also introduced a number of special guests, including student groups, interns, a former representative, and the University of Missouri wheelchair basketball team. The House then took up Senate messages and committee reports before acting on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3015. The sponsor explained the Senate amendment was a technical correction to an online age-verification provision related to pornography; the House concurred 104-30 and then finally passed the package 112-25. The chamber also considered the conference committee report on House Bill 2596, which was described as a small-business health plan measure that modernizes pooled-plan language and adds a 12-month contraception coverage provision while removing a Senate-added blood pressure cuff requirement. After debate on the conference report and a severability clause, the House adopted the report 120-26 and then third-read and passed the bill 119-27. Finally, the House debated Senate Bill 905, which would create the Missouri Ranger training program allowing schools to optionally place specially trained personnel with narrow law-enforcement authority on campus. Debate focused heavily on school safety, local control, training standards, liability, funding, and whether the proposal would improve protection or instead increase the presence of guns in schools. Supporters argued it would give districts another optional safety tool, especially where school resource officers are unavailable, while opponents said schools need more mental health and educational resources rather than armed personnel and raised concerns about training, child development, and unintended harm. The House adopted an amendment clarifying the program after a 96-46 vote, but the transcript cuts off before final passage of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs, and seven states with individual tax deduction or tax credit programs.
• program, seven states with individual tax deduction or tax credit programs.
• States with tax credit programs, seven states with individual tax deduction or tax credit programs.
• So I'm not taking somebody else's tax money, public tax money.
• tax.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Property taxes remain at an all-time high.
• Property taxes are at an all-time high.
• Property taxes are at an all-time high.
• tax credits.
• Senate Bill 439, sponsored by Senator Cryan, the N-Data Center Tax Credit Act, reduces tax credits available

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Taxes registered for comment next agenda item relates to the implement implementation of a portion of
• The opinion also to examine the application of Penal Code 3607A, which concludes that the.
• Of course most state officers are required to file a PFS under chapter 572 of the government code and
• requester in this case to file a PFS with the TEC comes from Chapter 335 of the local government. code
• Section 572016. of the government code is very clear as the requester participated in the solicitation

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a QR code here, too.
• There is another piece to this discussion in Century Code today.
• So those were created in century code in 61.35.
• So mid to late 90s, that century code was put in place.
• There might be sales tax.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14.1 million. and coastal erosion response fund 5176 for reductions in anticipated hotel occupancy tax
• So one of the things we at state agencies is required to do is comply with Texas labor code.
• But we do that per. that labor code.
• , sorry, sporting goods sales tax.
• Spontaneal funds and then the sporting goods sales tax.

Keywords: 1184, house, all