Transcript Highlights:

• Each plaintiff in the class was required to pay a percentage of the common fund attorney's fees for the
• and forfeited her pension was that effectively constructive payment of her share of the attorney's fees
• because it's going to apply just to this class of individuals who are required to pay back attorney's fees
• privacy and making sure that we're delivering this stuff to the committee members in a way that's secure
• We're just, again, this is about protecting privacy and making these communications more secure for everyone

Summary: The Executive Committee approved the April minutes by roll call vote, with members present voting aye and the minutes adopted. The committee then received an Attorney General update on several pension-related cases. Counsel discussed the newly filed Dawson class action, which seeks to invalidate Gross Second Substitute House Bill 2034 on federal and state constitutional grounds; she said the pleadings were unclear, the committee’s involvement was uncertain, and the case would need monitoring. She also reported that the Dolan case appears concluded after the Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s ruling on constructive payment of attorney fees, and that the Fowler case remains pending after an oral ruling for plaintiffs on retroactive interest and possible disgorgement of state gains, with a written ruling still awaited. The actuarial update said June would include the preliminary 2025 valuation results and contribution-rate discussion, along with commentary on the demographic experience study, and staff noted actuarial resources were limited for additional items until later in the summer or fall. The committee then discussed the interim work plan and correspondence, including letters supporting a Plan 1 COLA recommendation, retiree organization comments, and a request from Senator Robinson to study whether certain animal control technicians should be included in PERS. Members emphasized the need to keep working on an ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees while also exploring a longer-term COLA mechanism, including possible budget proviso language to require COLA consideration each budget cycle. Staff also explained changes to correspondence handling: materials will no longer be posted publicly on the website, but will still be available through public records requests and distributed securely to members by email or form submission. The committee agreed to add a June briefing on the PERS animal control technician issue and an introductory discussion of Plan 3, and to bring back COLA proposals in July for further executive committee review. The agenda was approved as amended, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state has billions which are invested in deposits and securities.
• Funds that are currently placed as deposit securities may instead be used for loan participations or
• Rent-now-pay-later loans with high interest rates and junk fees can be harmful.
• families and individuals that use these products can be saddled with thousands of dollars in additional fees
• and interest. ...can be saddled with thousands of dollars in additional fees and interest payments every

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and first approved the consent calendar, which included AB 2028, AB 2425, and committee bill AB 2795, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also noted that AB 2558 and AB 2746 had been pulled from the agenda. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including acceptance of written testimony and rules against disruptive conduct. The committee then heard AB 2116, which would require registration and basic conduct standards for certain small-business financing providers, including merchant cash advance companies, and prohibit confessions of judgment and power-of-attorney provisions before default. Supporters argued the bill would close an oversight gap and improve transparency for small businesses; a small business owner testified that a purported 13% loan turned out to have a 235% APR. Opponents said the bill mixed consumer and commercial regulation and could restrict access to capital, though they supported banning confessions of judgment. The bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2243, by Assembly Member Haney, proposed creating a state bank commission to study whether California should establish a state bank or other public financing tools. Supporters said a public banking model could reduce borrowing costs, keep more public money in-state, and better finance housing, infrastructure, and other public priorities; opponents from banking groups raised concerns about taxpayer exposure, deposit guarantees, and the use of public funds and existing lending structures. The bill passed and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 2350, which would set guardrails on rent-now-pay-later products for rental housing; supporters said these products can lead to high fees, debt, and eviction risk, while industry groups opposed the bill unless amended. AB 2350 passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• governing bodies land area and population percentages for entities entitled to receive 911 telephone fees
• In that case, I'll entertain a motion to approve the land area and population. estimates for the fees
• I'll make a motion to approve the land area, population, and fees.
• So, the only thing I've got for my update is I'm still waiting on the Department of Homeland Security
• So, I'll keep you guys updated as we work with OMES and the Department of Homeland Security.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in statute, receives distributions from what I believe is a petroleum... it's the petroleum delivery fee
• The PPL fee, Petroleum Delivery Fee, something like that.
• include garage door replacements and a septic system replacement. and roofs, floors, and building security
• constructed 'Zippy' out of drums and other traffic control devices, and in a competition, District 6 secured

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure not only threatens our public health, it also threatens our national and economic security
• water systems tell Congress all the time that they are having to defend against consistent cyber security
• , and $553,000 in principal forgiveness, we secured $2.76 million to replace our filters, piping, valves
• And then in addition to that was the one and a half percent interest rate plus the administrative fee
• possible in West Point but the the cost that would be for those farmers to be able to pay the extra fees

Keywords: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, water infrastructure, lead service lines, federal reauthorization, sustainability, cybersecurity

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Patrick Henry didn't say, “Give me security or give me death.” He understood...
• Patrick Henry didn't say, “Give me security or give me death.”
• Now, it's written that way because it sounds so good and so secure.
• Okay, the next one, for securing a mass surveillance system.
• Okay, the next one, for securing a mass surveillance system.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or even food security.
• Food security. They can't imagine that. We talk about rehabilitation.
• But we tried to advance some legislation to secure funding for them.
• Their funding comes through a per-parcel fee.
• Their funding comes through a per-parcel fee, a real estate transaction fee. That fee is $3.

Summary: The meeting focused on Missouri’s substance use prevention and treatment system, with repeated emphasis on recovery support services, peer support, recovery housing, transportation, and harm reduction. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he urged greater investment in recovery housing, peer support, employment, and community-based supports that help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding sources, program capacity, referrals, treatment court, transportation, and how Into Action supports people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said the organization is funded through a mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private donations, and that housing and transportation remain major barriers, especially because support is often funded for too short a period compared with the longer time people need to stabilize. Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection District gave a strong endorsement of harm reduction, including naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, and broader decriminalization of harm reduction tools. He argued that stigma is a major barrier to care and that Missouri should expand access to clean needles, test strips, and other services, while also improving access to MAT in jails and communities. Committee members questioned the evidence base, the role of faith-based providers, and whether safe consumption sites should be pursued; Cushman said syringe exchange decriminalization should be the immediate priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term issue. He also described community paramedicine and mobile integrated health as valuable but funding-dependent, and said naloxone distribution is improving but still uneven, especially in rural and minority communities. Representatives from Central Ozarks Medical Center and Four Rivers Community Health Center highlighted the importance of peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators, and wraparound services in rural health centers. COMC’s Morgan McClure and Monet Lehman described a jail reentry program in Pulaski County, with Lehman sharing her trauma and recovery story and explaining how she helps incarcerated people prepare for release with housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and treatment connections. Four Rivers’ Devon Polarys and Cassandra Trout said their CEO would change Missouri policy to allow FQHCs to receive reimbursement for peer support and community health worker services similar to CCBHCs, arguing that these roles are essential for addressing barriers like transportation, housing, food insecurity, and insurance. Members discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, the differences between FQHCs and CCBHCs, and the need for better funding and clearer policy for peer and community health worker services. No votes were taken; the discussion ended with a suggestion to bring in a subject matter expert on community health workers for a future session.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the other hand we've got triple fees drawing them away from classrooms.
• All charter public schools pay for authorizer oversight without any data or evidence that current fees
• are insufficient or that fee revenue is even used appropriately for oversight requirements.
• Increasing these fees will only exacerbate that problem.
• Increasing administrative fees without accountability or data is not a solution.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why are we, why are we imposing a fee and giving a grant?
• Department of Agriculture, and then the actual producer would also be paid. a fee.
• And the second fee was to incentivize the producer.
• , the fees in the bill or what their recommendations were.
• Can we, what is an acre fee?

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• So instead of contracting with a private... security contractor, they could effectively contract with
• And like the cities, they can, they can, they get their own sales. tax they get other fees and levies
• funds, security disk for that, and it not only covers this. the houses, but it will cover the property
• So they fund one through their mud they pay taxes and fees to the mud, and the mud hires the sheriffs
• and you're using. those funds or those excess funds that they're levying that tax and those fees for

Bills: HB336, HB554, HB849, HB 1033, HB1338, HB 1246

Keywords: law enforcement, sheriff, constable, contracts, county governance, HB 554, fireworks, Juneteenth, Juneteenth holiday, retail fireworks permit, Texas Occupations Code, Local Government Code, county commissioners court, drought conditions, Texas A&M Forest Service, fire safety, holiday sales, seasonal fireworks sales, Fourth of July, Independence Day

Transcript Highlights:

• All of the revenues for this agency come from licensing fees.
• Madam Chair, Representative, it's $25, I believe, is what the entry fee is for that.
• It's a $15 fee on the weekends as well, and we also have a park and ride.
• These systems are not only critical for our daily operations; their continued use poses security and
• Are we not getting enough entry fees? What's the big concern with the New Mexico race?

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:48.200> or argument that it's like a security or argument that it's like a security
• We have essentially a sliding fee scale.
• We have essentially a sliding fee scale.
• would be yes we follow a sliding fee would be yes we follow a sliding fee scale<01:13:52.760>
• you are providing you know lower fees you are providing you know lower fees and<01:14:04.239>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not just the professional guardians that work for fee-based compensation from the wards' assets.
• And securing funding, that's going to be part of the '26 legislative session. Thank you.
• The department receives registration and renewal fees from professional guardians by personal check,
• This system also houses wards' records, including court records, medical records, and Social Security
• This system also houses wards records, including the court records, medical records, social security

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive updates on implementation of House Bill 1349, which created guardianship transparency measures, and on the Department of Elder Affairs’ Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG). The Clerk of Courts Operations Corporation described the statewide guardianship database for judges and a public-facing website, noting the system went live in March 2025 after a soft launch in 2024. Officials said the database now includes information from all 67 clerks, with 388 users, about 6,400 wards, and 518 professional guardians. Members asked about unique identifiers, data duplication, training, and how the system is being used; CCOC said it is working to use registration numbers as identifiers, improve search functions, expand training, and seek continued funding. Secretary Michelle Branham then outlined OPPG’s implementation of HB 1349 and its broader oversight role. She said the department has doubled education requirements, expanded transparency through the Sentry system, and brought investigations fully in-house in August 2024. She described the complaint and investigation process, including legal sufficiency review, regional investigators, mandatory in-person interviews, and possible outcomes ranging from corrective training and fines to suspension or revocation. Members asked about complaint categories, disciplinary actions, whether guardians can be suspended during investigations, and how older cases are handled; the secretary said most complaints are administrative/technical, serious allegations are referred to law enforcement, and one older case discussed remained ongoing. The Auditor General’s office presented its operational audit of OPPG, covering July 2022 through January 2024 and follow-up on prior findings. The audit identified problems with monitoring private professional guardians and public guardian offices, complaint processing timeliness, incomplete public profile information, late registration renewals, failure to assess contract penalties, weak collection safeguards, missing follow-up on required public guardian reports, lack of needed rules, and Sentry system access/security controls. In response, Secretary Branham said the department does not dispute the findings and has already taken corrective steps, including launching Sentry, hiring additional monitors, moving investigations in-house, adding automated renewal reminders, updating forms, and drafting new rules. She also said the department plans to seek subpoena power and stronger fines in the next legislative session. The subcommittee took no formal vote and adjourned after members’ questions were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also makes it unlawful for an attorney representing a person under a contingency fee agreement to
• It also makes it unlawful for an attorney to receive a kickback or a fee split for referring a client
• It also makes it unlawful for an attorney to receive a kickback or a fee split.
• Finally, it prohibits attorneys from charging an additional contingency fee or an administrative fee,
• management fee, or similar fee based on reducing or resolving a client's medical lien.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a series of procedural motions to re-refer bills, suspend rules, and remove items from the consent calendar. The chamber also heard guest introductions recognizing family milestones, a youth leadership program from Assembly District 13, a delegation of Japanese business leaders, and a Michoacan delegation. Later, members adopted several resolutions and consent items, including California Craft Beer Week, the Freedom Flag as a 9/11 remembrance symbol, Probation Services Week, and California Wildfire Week, along with other consent-calendar measures. The main floor debate centered on SB 417, a $10 billion housing bond for the ballot, with supporters emphasizing the state’s housing shortage, homelessness crisis, and funding for multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, farmworker housing, student housing, tribal housing, infrastructure, and preservation of existing affordable units. Opponents criticized the proposal as adding debt without enough reform and objected to the use of veterans in the measure’s messaging. The Assembly passed SB 417 on urgency and on the measure, 54-7, and sent it to the Senate. Members then adopted ACA 20, which would expand and modernize the state Rainy Day Fund by increasing its cap and changing deposit rules; it passed 54-8 and was transmitted to the Senate. The Assembly also approved SB 623, a transportation-related bill addressing rideshare safety and medical lien practices. Supporters said it would curb abusive billing, restrict attorney conflicts and kickbacks, require stronger background checks for TNC drivers, and allow women riders and drivers to request women-only matches. The measure passed unanimously, 67-0. Later, the House adopted ACA 21, which removes ACA 13 from the November ballot, by 62-0, and ACA 22, which amends a ballot measure affecting taxation and local fiscal resources, by 64-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. Dorothy Viola Calvin, followed by announcements, recesses, and final adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• You would go online where you can use a crypto online service and pay 2% fee or less. the world would
• These crypto ATMs, they typically charge transaction fees of 20 to 30%.
• These crypto ATMs, they typically charge transaction fees of 20 to 30%.
• I've mentioned this before on security?" I've mentioned this before on the<01:28:06.280> floor.
• Then the director of Homeland Security Then the director of Homeland Security asked<01:28:13.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're worried about retaining their health care, their jobs, and their food security.
• the fate of Medicaid, we are leaning in to MassHealth, again and again leaning in to health care security
• It's a win for people who need and deserve food security.
• covering issues like early education, housing, and proof of safety in sports, mental health, food security
• has fought for and made law, a permanent universal community college program, free of tuition and fees

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up debate on the FY2026 general appropriations bill, with several members speaking in support of the Ways and Means budget. Senators Comerford, O’Connor, Feeney, and DiDomenico emphasized the budget as a values-driven response to federal uncertainty, highlighting investments in MassHealth, education, housing, food security, local aid, libraries, transit, mental and behavioral health, and support for vulnerable residents. They also praised the budget’s lack of new taxes and its focus on spending within available revenues, while noting major cost pressures from health care and federal policy instability. Specific programs and items repeatedly cited included universal free community college, expanded financial aid, rural and minimum school aid, TAFDC/EAEDC increases, the Healthy Incentives Program, universal school meals, housing supports, Home and Healthy for Good, and funding for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital. Speakers framed these investments as both fiscally responsible and morally necessary, and several noted that amendments would be considered during the debate. No votes on the budget itself were taken in the excerpt. After the budget remarks, Senator Miranda spoke in recognition of Haitian Flag Day and the history of Haiti, including foreign interference and the importance of protecting Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts. Another senator then honored Malcolm X on the 100th anniversary of his birth, connecting his legacy to the budget process and calling for investments in equity, education, housing, and health care. The Senate then adopted an order to meet the next day at 10 a.m. with the general appropriations bill as the only item on the calendar, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AIS account to align with the fee AIS account to align with the fee increase<00:02:47.280> and
• a $5 fee and for fishing it's a $5 fee a $5 fee and for fishing it's a $5 fee and<01:53:23.199><
• I want to fee. I use the river.
• The fee went from $30 to $45. Um, and these fees were on a three-year license.
• increased revenue from that fee increased revenue from that fee increase. increase. increase.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current fee for, uh, fee for service model within the code has led to fragmented billing and unpredictable
• To give more detail, the program ensures that a single payment covers all fees related to a surgical
• They're buying this bundle package and they're not going to be surprised with these big additional fees
• that they have to now pay a la carte separately anyway, right now, this bill is all those fees would
• You know, your, your pre-operation and your, your, uh, the pharmacy and anesthesiologist, doctor's fees

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you explain the fee and what it will do? >> So, through you, Mr.
• President, so, is this a fee that is unique to harness racing or also the same fee for thoroughbred racing
• SO, IS THIS A FEE THAT IS UNIQUE TO HARNESS RACING OR ALSO THE SAME FEE FOR THOROUGHBRED RACING?
• ADDITIONAL STATES BECAUSE OF ADDITIONAL FEES LIKE THAT 1234.
• Fines and fees. Traffic enforcement cameras. And, of course, congestion pricing.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• tanks under federal regulation, allows the Hidalgo County RMA to raise the maximum per-trip permit fee
• maintain West Dauphin Road and any other off-system roads designated after September 1, 2025 using permit fees
• Allows our County RMA to raise the maximum per trip permit fee for $200 to $250 effective September 1st
• I know in border security we heard Senate Bill 2949 to deal with a lot of the issues on the fuel depots
• on the passage of Senate Bill 2949, which is a fuel depot road bill that will pass on the Border Security

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of mostly local transportation and memorial designation bills. Several measures would rename highway segments in honor of fallen service members or public servants, including HB 2026 (Gary C. Johnston memorial highways in Archer County), HB 4429 (McIlroy Family Memorial Highway in Blanco and Burnet counties), SB 3062 (Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway in Panola County), HB 3510 (Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway in Brazos County), and HB 3986 (Corporal Speedy Espiriueta Memorial Highway in Mission). The committee also heard HB 2560, which would create an optional county-road “adopt-a-road” style program allowing donations for county road repair and maintenance. Two bills drew more substantive policy discussion. HB 2427 and HB 2455 concerned oversized/overweight freight corridors and permit authority in Hidalgo County tied to cross-border trade near the FARR International Bridge. Supporters, including the bridge director, said the measures would correct prior road descriptions, put existing TxDOT actions into statute, improve truck routing, and support trade and bridge expansion. The committee substitute for HB 2427 also removed Roma permit language, barred certain hazardous-material permits, raised permit fees, required local cost responsibility for road maintenance, and made the bill contingent on SB 2949. HB 5436 would allow licensed automotive recyclers to buy certain older, long-unregistered vehicles for dismantling or scrap without a title, with reporting, lienholder notice, and anti-theft safeguards; recyclers and dealers supported it as a way to curb illegal untitled-vehicle sales and VIN cloning. HB 3966, authored by Sen. Alvarado, was the most contested bill. It would require commercial passenger bus companies to mail advance notice to residents within one mile before opening a new stop or terminal. Alvarado said the bill responded to the relocation of a Greyhound terminal into a Houston neighborhood without notice and to resulting crime and nuisance concerns. Greyhound opposed the bill, arguing the notice requirement would be burdensome and could delay emergency relocations during hurricanes, flooding, or lease changes. After testimony, the committee voted to report most bills favorably, with HB 3966 passing on a 5-2 vote; the other reported bills passed unanimously. Several bills were also placed on the local and uncontested calendar, and the committee recessed to the call of the chair.