Transcript Highlights:

• it will have a retaliatory tax impact, which means it will be sending a lot of money to states like Texas
• The only change proposed by this bill is to strike out specific section 6, subsection K of Chapter 151A

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing with about 43 witnesses and a 1:00 p.m. hard stop, and the chair repeatedly asked speakers to keep testimony to three minutes. Much of the hearing focused on S. 747/H. 1336, which would extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Supporters included legislators, union leaders, graduate workers from MIT, Harvard, BU, WPI, UMass Lowell, and others, and legal advocates. They argued graduate workers perform full-time teaching and research work, pay taxes, and should not be excluded from basic safety-net benefits; several witnesses described personal hardships involving childbirth, serious illness, mental health crises, funding cuts, or fear of losing income. Testifiers also said the change would be revenue-neutral or revenue-generating and would not create major administrative burdens for universities, which already provide similar benefits to other employees. The committee also heard testimony on insurance-related bills. Christopher Stock of the Massachusetts Insurance Federation supported H. 1113 on public adjusters and H. 1345/S. 753 on flood-zone notifications for homebuyers, but opposed H. 4112, which would add a $2 surcharge on home insurance policies to fund fire cistern programs. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council strongly supported H. 1345, saying flood disclosure is needed because Massachusetts lacks statewide flood-notification requirements and flooding risks are increasing. Karen Alvarado supported H. 4352 on travel insurance, and John Fielding supported H. 1186 on pet insurance; both said the bills would create uniform regulatory frameworks and consumer protections. Rep. LeBoeuf testified for H. 4061 on workers’ compensation premium fraud, describing the bill as a transparency measure to combat fraud in construction by creating a public certificate-of-insurance database and QR-code verification system. Joe Bright of the carpenters’ union also supported H. 4061, citing fraud, misclassification, and the harm to injured workers. The hearing also included testimony on H. 4112, a bill to create a statewide fire suppression water resource fund and cistern program. Rep. Hogan and a Stowe fire chief described drought, brush fires, and the need for dedicated cisterns in communities without municipal water systems, saying the tanks provide reliable water for firefighting and are relatively low-tech once installed. Committee members asked questions about tank capacity, siting, maintenance, and funding. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• He has served churches in both Texas and Louisiana.
• Louisiana Department of Health and the State Department of Education, in collaboration with the Louisiana chapter

Bills: SCR63, SCR12, HB89, HB451, HB595, HB617, HB621, HB730, HB1064, HB1125, HB221, HCR58, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SB104, SB122, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476, SCR9, SCR30, SB57, SB414, SB525, SB35, SB65, SB135, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB276, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB691, HB712, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1033, HB1034, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1237, HB1239, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382

Keywords: fiscal notes, legislation, legislative auditor, state policy, conflict of interest, logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB89, Act 615, district attorney, assistant district attorney, retiree health insurance, group health insurance, retirement benefits, public employee benefits, Third Judicial District, Thirtieth Judicial District

Transcript Highlights:

• What I just handed you is a map of the south central Texas area that shows Maverick County and then if
• honored to present Senate Concurrent Resolution 37, which aims to promote economic development in Texas
• and ensure the continued strategic utility of the Panama Canal for US and Texas trade.
• in its recent expansion has seen an increased trade capacity benefiting both the United States and Texas
• The Panama Canal is a critical link that drives Texas trade and economic growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Texas seek recognition. Gentleman from Texas seek recognition.
• Speaker, I ask from Texas. Uh, Mr.
• Van Dy from the great state of Texas Van Dy from the great state of Texas such<00:31:24.960>
• gentleoman from Texas seek recognition? gentleoman from Texas seek recognition?
• The gentleman from Texas, Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, June 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the time, Texas didn't allow carrying of firearms in churches, complete ban.
• Two years later, Texas changed the law, allowed carrying in churches.
• Two years later, Texas changed the law, allowed carrying in churches.
• Two years later, Texas changed the law, allowed carrying in churches.
• A study from Texas A&M University found A study from Texas A&M University found that<00:15:30.440

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard Chair Bliss present HF 13, a bill to change Minnesota self-defense law so that a person using reasonable force in resisting an offense against the person would not be required to consider retreat. Bliss tied the proposal to a recent Minnesota Supreme Court case involving a man at a light rail station and argued the court had effectively created a duty to retreat that the legislature had never enacted. He said the bill would codify the right to stand one’s ground while still leaving reasonableness to judges and juries. Supporters Bryan Gosh of the NRA and Rob Door of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus testified that Minnesota’s duty-to-retreat rules are confusing, judicially created, and out of step with other states. They argued the bill would clarify self-defense law and protect people who defend themselves or others, citing examples from other states and a Texas church shooting to argue that a retreat requirement can endanger victims and bystanders. Opponents Maggie Emery of Protect Minnesota, Sarah Erickson of Giffords, and Don Einwalter of Moms Demand Action argued the bill would function as a “shoot-first” law, increase homicides, worsen racial disparities, and make communities and law enforcement less safe. They cited studies linking stand-your-ground laws to higher homicide rates and pointed to incidents in Florida and Minnesota involving firearms and children. The committee also took up two amendments. Representative Hollins offered an amendment on safe and secure firearm storage, saying it was intended to reduce child access to guns and suicides; she requested a roll call. Chair Bliss opposed it, saying current law already covers negligent storage and that the amendment was too broad, including for a rural constituent who keeps a shotgun by his door. Representative Hudson and Representative Pinto argued over whether current law is sufficient and whether the amendment would remove needed flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of the amendments, with no final vote or disposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We considered studies from Arizona and Texas, and also the New Mexico Tourism Department's estimate for
• Do I put my business on the Texas side or the New Mexico side?
• , and I apologize if I reference because I'm familiar with the Texas program.
• In Texas our community solar subscribers are paying for it, not anybody else.
• That's how it's set up in Texas. Again, I would need to double-check for you in New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas and Minnesota are the only two states that strictly have just a prohibition, which restricts the
• In Texas, it's 13.
• New regulatory sandbox initiatives in Delaware and Texas follow Arizona and Utah's efforts to foster
• Then, in 2025, California and Texas also joined states enacting comprehensive legislation.
• Texas also enacted HB 149, which requires specific disclosure of AI use and prohibits developers from

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• companies like, uh, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, uh, Zelle, Apple, uh, and, uh, in researching this on the Texas
• Department of Banking website, there's 180 companies that are, have this type of license in Texas.
• We show you're registered as James Quintero on behalf of Texas Public Policy Foundation and show you
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• And, you know, you hear it all the time that Texas is not a one size fits all.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now we get notified if, say, somebody is visiting Texas or Montana and they pass away.
• And so, like Texas—we didn't go out for Texas.
• They're a little kind of outside our region, but Texas saw what we were... our region, but Texas saw
• You brought up Texas. I'm sorry, I can call the judge to represent some other points.
• Texas got rid of that area in 2022. So what have they been doing for the last...

Bills: HB479, HB480

Keywords: voting, elections, voter registration, voter rolls, list maintenance, address change, change of address, ERIC, Electronic Registration Information Center, AVID, Alabama Voter Integrity Database, Secretary of State, board of registrars, inactive voter, voter purge, duplicate registration, cross-state voter matching, National Change of Address, NCOA, driver license data

Transcript Highlights:

• Of anything of that sort, you have said that in Texas it's okay not to care about diversity, not to care
• We know that Texas kind of leads the nation in policy development.
• But the Senate, the state of Texas, had an opportunity today to put together a policy statement and begin
• We recommend it in the federal government, but using the Texas Workforce Commission to determine whether
• Of anything of that sort, you have said that in Texas it's okay not to care about diversity, not to care

Keywords: Senate Bill 688, Senate Bill 9, equity, meritocracy, social progress, policy reform, public testimony

Summary: During this meeting of the committee, significant discussions centered around Senate Bill 688 and Senate Bill 9, with members expressing deep concerns over the implications of the proposed legislation. Chair Carol Alvarado initiated the meeting by addressing the audience and highlighting the need for robust dialogue regarding the bills in question. Senator Royce West actively contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the necessity to reform existing policies that some believe would regress social progress in the state. The debate revealed a passionate division among committee members, as they navigated the complexities of equity and meritocracy in legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just got back from Fort Worth, Texas, me and my crew, and we competed at the World Food Championship
• in Fort Worth, Texas, at Texas Motor Speedway.
• So we're really trying to bring trade in and steal it from Texas and California.
• This port is going to be the most modern in the nation. ...it from Texas and California.
• Volk, we have a loan from the NAD Bank, the North American Development Bank out of Texas.

Bills: SB1272

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Congresswoman Jordan not only represented Texas' historic 18th Congressional District, but was also the
• It is a sad day in Texas when we can't say the same thing about our governor.
• The Texas Election Code states that it is the intent of the...
• The Texas Election Code states that it is the intent of the Legislature that the application of the Texas
• a proclamation on November 9, ordering an expedited special election on December 11, 2018, for the Texas

Keywords: special election, 18th Congressional District, Governor Abbott, federal representation, constituent services, Sylvester Turner

Summary: State Rep. Jolanda Jones, joined by Sen. Molly Cook and Reps. Christina Morales, Charlene Ward Johnson, and Lauren Ashley Simmons, held a press event at the Capitol urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for Texas Congressional District 18. They said the district has been without federal representation since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and argued that more than 800,000 constituents are losing access to constituent services, federal assistance, and a voice in Congress. The speakers framed the delay as a constitutional and fairness issue, repeatedly describing the situation as “taxation without representation.” They said the vacancy affects Democrats and Republicans alike, and cited examples such as passport help, veterans’ issues, immigration concerns, and access to federal funding. Several speakers accused the governor of delaying for partisan reasons and called for immediate action so the district can elect a new representative. A letter from Sen. Borris Miles was read into the record, urging Abbott to set the earliest possible special election date and noting that the governor has acted quickly in past vacancies. The event ended with a unified demand that Abbott call the election immediately; no vote or formal legislative action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Texas that doesn't even believe in climate change, all of their new generation has been
• This is not some green tree-hugger number: $30 billion in savings for Texas ratepayers.
• This is not some green tree-hugger number: $30 billion in savings for Texas ratepayers.
• This is not some green tree-hugger number: $30 billion in savings for Texas ratepayers.
• some green tree-hugger number: $30 billion in savings for Texas ratepayers.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills. The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13. The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, Machinery Technician Second Class Nathan Anthony, hailing from Bossier City, Texas.
• Then also from Texas, Friendswood, Texas, Electrician's Mate Second Class Nicholas Smith volunteered
• He worked long hours for... hailing from Bo Belde, Texas. Mahalo for hailing from Bo Belde, Texas.
• Fre<00:30:26.720> Friendswood, Then also from Texas, Fre Friendswood, Then also from Texas
• > secondclass Texas, electrician mate, secondclass Texas, electrician mate, secondclass Nicholas<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<02:14:52.639> and officers from New Bronals, Texas, and officers from New Bronals, Texas
• I was Texas town called Sweetwater.
• wonder has my colleague from Texas wonder has my colleague from Texas condemned<02:23:04.319>
• Gentleman from Texas is recognized.
• <07:49:42.478> The Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back. The Texas. Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I saw that in the Texas... evaluating.
• And I saw that in the Texas model as well.
• So I think implementing the Texas spreadsheet is just one layer.
• In Texas, did they withhold money?
• But then Carlo worked in Texas, you know, brought up the fact of the Texas part of this.

Summary: The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting. The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later. A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's our second Texas company, and this company wants to hire locally.
• It's our second Texas company, and this company wants to hire locally.
• It's our second Texas company, and this company wants to hire locally.
• It's our second Texas company, and this company wants to hire locally.
• It's our second Commonwealth from Texas.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:08 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45 SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50 SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2020, Texas passed a bill to eliminate fees statewide.
• 13 again to make things chapter 13 again to make things um<02:18:19.360> consistent.
• We're at odds with Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Chapter 13.
• And in the exchange in trying to make sure we at least adhere to the spirit of chapter 13, that's why
• <02:53:05.320> 13, chapter 13, chapter 13, uh<02:53:06.760> that's<02:53:07.120> why

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I saw that in the Texas... evaluating.
• And I saw that in the Texas model as well.
• So I think implementing the Texas spreadsheet is just one layer.
• In Texas, did they withhold money?
• But then Carlo worked in Texas, you know, brought up the fact of the Texas part of this.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is its own special case. They like to do things their way in Texas.
• It's hard to import and export outside of Texas, and Texas is the biggest electrical state in the U.S
• like to do things their way in Texas like to do things their way in Texas most<00:24:34.360>
• Export outside of Texas and Texas is the Export outside of Texas and Texas is the biggest<00:24:
• differently um urot in uh in Texas differently um urot in uh in Texas basically<01:10:32.360>

Bills: HF75

Keywords: HF75, earned incentive release credit, earned incentive credits, revocation, revocable credits, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, prison discipline, incarcerated persons, inmate misconduct, facility rules, sentence reduction, supervised release, Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, public safety, rehabilitation, prison credits, executed sentence, 1183, house