Transcript Highlights:

• He's going to speak out on close any other questions for Senator Blackman?
• </c><01:12:27.520><c> any</c> He's going to speak out on close any He's going to speak out on close any
• </c> recognized to close on the amendment. recognized to close on the amendment.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Now, can I close? &gt;&gt; Now, can I close? &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.
• </c> Senator Parks, please pay close Senator Parks, please pay close attention<02:14:21.360><c> to</c

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 February, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So as we prepare for our next presenters, I think Will Metcalfe, are you our primary presenter?
• Although we're happy to work with them and we do from time to time, it's just not our primary target
• Although we're happy to work with them and we do from time to time, it's just not our primary target
• </c><01:03:39.720><c> target</c> time, it's just not our primary target time, it's just not our primary
• How closely, when you said you have regional consultants, do your regional consultants work with the

Committee: Joint Economic Development & Workforce Investment

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:36 Homeland Security: 00:03:46 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership: 00:36:29, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have kind of two primary factors that are driving increases in state grant spending this biennium
• So once the fiscal year has closed out, which for state grant... ...it was fully closed out by September
• </c><00:53:17.760><c> align</c> student aid index to more closely align student aid index to more closely
• Um, as we continue to explore a model of the potential for a new model, uh, one of our primary focuses
• As we continue to explore a model of the potential for a new model, uh, one of our primary focuses is

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I ask for the opportunity to close.
• The chair recognizes Representative a suit to close. I close. Thank you very much, guys.
• If not, um, the chair recognizes Chairman Dean to close. I close. Thank you.
• If not, the chair recognizes Chairman Goales to close. I close.
• The chair recognizes Representative Kissman to close.

Bills: HB 341 , HB 469 , HB 971 , HB 1624 , HB 2721 , HB 2959 , HB 3365 , HB 3731 , HB 3793 , HB 3861 , HB 3946 , HB 3966 , HB 4348 , HB 4401 , HB 4402 , HB 4924 , HB 4966 , HB 5563

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• attended junior high public school at the time when official morning prayer was banned there, I had an up-close
• I didn't get to do any kind of closing. May I comment? Yeah, that's fine. You can do that.
• We also included primary employment, which is something that is used at the executive department level
• But the primary goal of this is to have the definitions in place that we, you know, taxpayers... ...of
• But I guess we could count this as your closing unless we have more questions for you.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the benefit to this particular region of the state, I believe, is going to be somewhere close to
• establishes procedures and requirements for issuance and maintenance of a permit to construct, operate, and close
• But a lot of the comments had to do with containment, defining primary and secondary containment, when
• intent of this rulemaking is that we are adopting by reference to federal regulations, and Idaho has primary
• IRWA worked closely with our members and other stakeholders to participate in the rulemaking process

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Collins, you're recognized to close on the amendment. We have closed.
• Senator Collins is recognized to close on the bill as amended. With close.
• Senator Bernard, you're recognized to close on the amendment. Waive close, Madam Chair.
• Senator, you're recognized to close on the bill? I'll waive close. Thank you, Senator.
• Senator, you're recognized to close on the bill? We've closed. Thank you.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and advanced a series of criminal justice bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll-call votes. Among the bills approved were CS/SB 468 on fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, which increases offense levels and allows impoundment of involved vehicles; CS/SB 1136 on age as an element of a criminal offense, which strengthens protections for minors and was amended to adjust age thresholds and luring/enticement language; CS/SB 144 on criminal justice, which was narrowed by substitute amendment after discussion with law enforcement and includes provisions on kill switches, body cameras/AI, first responder recognition, and other corrections-related items; and CS/SB 1782, which creates penalties for dangerous excessive speeding. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, CS/SB 1450 on arrest and detention of individuals with significant medical conditions, CS/SB 612 on murder involving unlawful drug distribution by minors, CS/SB 1838 on tampering with or harassing court officials, CS/SB 716 on enhanced penalties for sexual offenses by repeat offenders, CS/SB 1604 on corrections, and CS/SB 1360 on xylazine, which preserves veterinary use while increasing penalties for illicit trafficking and possession for sale. Several bills drew substantive testimony and debate. CS/SB 1838 prompted concerns from the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers that the tampering language could be applied to prosecutors or defense attorneys; the sponsor said he would work to refine the language. CS/SB 964 received support from criminal defense advocates and a witness who argued Florida’s parole system needs revision due to prison overcrowding and staffing issues. CS/SB 1604 generated questions about inmate access to courts, the statute of limitations for confinement claims, and involuntary mental health treatment; the sponsor said the bill aims to balance inmate rights with timely reporting and to address bad actors in corrections. CS/SB 1360 was supported as a response to the spread of xylazine on the street, while noting its legitimate veterinary use. The most contested measure was CS/SB 1804 on capital sex trafficking. The bill would create a capital offense for adult trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person under specified circumstances, with a life-felony fallback if capital punishment is later found unconstitutional. Supporters argued it targets especially heinous conduct and closes a gap in existing law; opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and anti-death-penalty advocates, argued it expands the death penalty beyond homicide, raises constitutional concerns, risks retraumatizing victims, and would be costly to litigate. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House companion and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, despite objections from some members who voted no. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members for the session, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee accepts written testimony and will continue to do so following the close of the hearing
• I ride bikes and e-bikes as my primary mode of transportation for daily errands...
• I ride bikes and e-bikes as my primary mode of transportation for daily errands, commutes, and local
• The Ride Safe Act aligns closely with the Greater Lowell Vision Zero Plan, which was adopted in 2024,
• So the primary thing I want to say is that people who use the bike paths in order to commute, as I do—I

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, this would include all elections, primary and general.
• Chairman, this would include all elections, primary and general.
• So it would be special, primary, or general elections, depending on when they come up.
• Initiated measures—are they mostly on the general, or are they on the primary?
• Chair, Representative Nathie, so we've been working close with our community partners, and somewhere

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Collins, you're recognized to close on the amendment? We have closed.
• Senator Collins is recognized to close on the bill as amended. With close.
• Senator Bernard, you're recognized to close on the amendment. Wave closed, Madam Chair.
• Senator, you're recognized to close on the bill. We've closed. Thank you.
• Senator, you're recognized to close on the bill? We've closed. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and reported favorably a series of criminal justice, corrections, and public safety bills. Among the measures approved were SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles; SB 1136, tightening age-related criminal offense provisions and clarifying that ignorance or misrepresentation of a victim’s age is not a defense in covered cases; SB 144, which was described as a broad public safety measure addressing law enforcement tools, AI/body camera use, concealed carry licensing exemptions for law enforcement, blood testing after exposure incidents, and related matters; and SB 1782, creating a dangerous excessive speeding offense for extreme speeding conduct. The committee also approved SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion on immediate arrest of individuals with significant medical conditions in nursing home or assisted living settings, SB 612 closing a loophole related to charging minors in drug-distribution deaths, SB 1838 protecting court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 716 imposing mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators. Several bills drew notable testimony and debate. SB 1804, which would make sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital offense, received strong support from the sponsor and some members who argued it was needed to address the most heinous trafficking cases, but it also drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and others who argued the death penalty should not be expanded to non-homicide crimes and would be unconstitutional, costly, and retraumatizing to victims. SB 1604 on corrections, which included provisions on inmate litigation, limitations periods, tracking devices, and involuntary mental health treatment, prompted questions about inmate rights, accountability, and possible abuse; the sponsor said the bill was intended to balance access to claims with institutional safety and to continue refining the language. SB 1838 also drew concerns from criminal defense lawyers about possible unintended effects on attorneys, and the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including a substitute amendment to SB 144 that removed some provisions for further work, added first responder-related provisions, and adjusted motor vehicle kill-switch language; an amendment to SB 1136 changing the age threshold and refining luring/enticement language; a strike-all amendment to SB 964 limiting retroactivity and focusing on presumptive parolees; and a delete-all amendment to SB 1604 that revised multiple provisions, including tracking devices and consecutive sentencing under 10-20 Life. Most bills were reported favorably by roll call, with SB 776 and SB 1804 passing despite recorded no votes from some members. The chair closed by noting it was the committee’s final meeting of the session and thanked members before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Caprigliano. to close on his bill as amended.
• I think your amendment... closes loop on one of the issues the other is de-transitioning but this closes
• Van Dever to close on the bill as amended. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
• Plisa to close on the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Harris-Davila to close on her bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I move passage.

Bills: SB5 , SJR3 , HB 11 , HJR72 , HB48 , HB27 , HB144 , HB37 , HB1481 , HB581 , HB1696 , HB2216 , HB 1035 , HB1633 , HB742 , HB754 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB2669 , HB391 , HB517 , HB1775 , HB 1024 , HB1607 , HB252 , HB1716 , HB1562 , HB4116 , HB1866 , HB1741 , HB2103 , HB2637 , HB2884 , HB3707 , HB503 , HB 1089 , HB1757 , HB2986 , HB972 , SB365 , SB1786 , SB5 , SJR3 , HB14 , HB43 , HB36 , HB26 , HB149 , HB 121 , HB206 , HB136 , HB3114 , HB2733 , HB1732 , HB3700 , HB467 , HB 1130 , HB1846 , HB1442 , HB 1147 , HB2176 , HB2701 , HB805 , HB2890 , HB 1154 , HB1644 , HB2118 , HB1718 , HB2488 , HB2596 , HB2468 , HB484 , HB2578 , HB3204 , HB 1041 , HB307 , HB685 , HB538 , HB2525 , HB3125 , HB2027 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB 106 , HB18 , HB 11 , HJR72 , HB48 , HB27 , HB144 , HB37 , HB1481 , HB581 , HB1696 , HB2216 , HB 1035 , HB1633 , HB742 , HB754 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB2669 , HB391 , HB517 , HB1775 , HB 1024 , HB1607 , HB252 , HB1716 , HB1562 , HB4116 , HB1866 , HB1741 , HB2103 , HB2637 , HB2884 , HB3707 , HB503 , HB 1089 , HB1757 , HB2986 , HB972

Keywords: dementia, research institute, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, funding, grants, state health initiatives, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, tax exemption, intellectual disability

Transcript Highlights:

• We work closely with the DNR.
• We work closely with the DNR.
• We work closely with the DNR.
• We work closely with the DNR.
• I've been the primary organizer for seven years.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not quite 12:30 p.m., but close enough, and we are in the Minnesota Senate Building, Room 1150.
• It's a closed-loop system. Thanks, Senator Green. Mr. Leaf. Mr.
• Uh, Senator, it's a closed-loop system. Okay, I appreciate that, Mr. Chair.
• So, it's good that it's a closed loop.
• That is the primary earmark for our endowment. Mr.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, hearing no negative debate, the debate is closed.
• Hearing none and hearing no negative debate, the debate is closed.
• Hearing none and hearing no negative debate, the debate is closed.
• Hearing none, the debate is closed.
• Speaker, close the debate. Thank you, gentlemen. Debate is closed.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Systems now closed.
• System is closed.
• Systems closed.
• This is closed. The system is closed.
• System is closed.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we'll be here shortly so that we can get this started close to on time.
• It can minimize the impact on customers by having intelligence to actually open and close.
• As someone who works closely with our crews and regularly interacts with customers, I see firsthand how
• The primary challenge facing the energy market today is not utility reliability spending.
• Tweedy indicated, was the primary engineering consultant on this case. A couple of comments.

Bills: SB287

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting. SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 673 helps close that gap.
• Would you like to close? I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
• AB 1493 would require school board special elections to be consolidated with the next primary or general
• initiate special elections, AB 1493 requires that the election be rolled into the next regular scheduled primary
• In closing, I would like to thank this committee for prioritizing the safety of California's rural students

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By the committee today and for which the author waived presentation before the close of the regular order
• Do we have any primary witnesses in opposition?
• Would you like to close? I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Wonderful. This bill is out.
• Would you like to close? On behalf of...
• We have a motion a second Would you like to close? Thank you for your time.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no one else, we will close the public hearing and we'll open the next public hearing in just a
• And with that, we will close the public hearing.
• And with that, we will close opposed.
• During the election primary, the law.
• With that, we'll close wish to testify.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• core funding would grow by about 3.5% as a result of tuition revenue increase this year, which is close
• this enrollment growth more closely, we can see that the success story is even better.
• We have hundreds of faculty practice primary care clinics throughout the state.
• Obviously, University of California, you're working closely with all the different campuses there.
• So there wasn't always as close of a tracking of the students utilizing those services. Okay.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid. On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary. The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed. The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.