Transcript Highlights:

• I rules temporarily replace Senator Peterson for today, March 11, 2026.
• The Committee on Rules reports to recommend SB 1488 receive a do pass recommendation. Excellent.
• The Committee on Rules recommends the following bill be proper for consideration: SB 1752. Mr.
• Pursuant to Rule 19C, I ask that my comments be entered into the journal. Rule 19C.
• Committee announcements for Monday, March 16th: Rules will meet at 1:00 p.m. in Caucus Room 1.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, do we do we um to change the rule.
• Because the memo you provided us says that the rules need to be changed.
• Because the memo you provided us says that the rules need to be changed.
• The memo you provided us says that the rules need to be changed.
• <00:33:39.200> Uh facility to a licensed hospital. Uh facility to a licensed hospital.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also suggest that one of our facilities is opening in June, another gaming facility in Salem.
• I would also suggest that one of our facilities is opening in June, another gaming facility in Salem.
• I would also suggest that one of our facilities is opening in June, another gaming facility in Salem.
• I would also suggest that one of our facilities is opening in June, another gaming facility in Salem.
• I would also suggest that one of our facilities is opening in June, another gaming facility in Salem.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's it's treatment facility.
• And I'll touch upon briefly, because this is more in rules now than in legislation, but threatened and
• in agreement that that is an important issue for you to be aware of because it will be coming for rules
• <00:22:19.039> be<00:22:19.280> coming<00:22:19.600> for<00:22:19.919> rules
• <00:22:20.640> and because it will be coming for rules and because it will be coming for rules

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that the deaths in custody are investigated in accordance with state statute and the administrative rules
• is attempted to be resolved is that the Commission on Jail Standards has adopted an administrative rule
• Not to be a gotcha, and I don't know the rule on that. The other question I wanted to ask you is...
• Many individuals leaving juvenile facilities or jails in Texas lack basic identity. ...identification
• Training facilities give you board eligibility to sit for the boards.

Bills: HB2814, HB4477, HB5084, HB5108, HB5127, HB5383, HB5611, HB5663, HB5664, SB1563, HB2668, HB3841, HB4114

Keywords: juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, HB 5108, deaths in custody, custodial death, jail death

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:47:18.320> for water carriers just like the rules for water carriers just like the rules
• I said, "As long as you let us create a show that cast, we'll do the facility."
• And so we cast, we'll do the facility.
• And that's altogether that's facilities.
• When you look at for cruise facilities.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• operations, and frontline staffing, including... ...to support youth services, facility operations,
• Within the Department of Management Services, there is $66 million for the Florida Facilities Pool to
• But why are we reducing to the same facility from 35% to 34% on slot machine revenue?
• Before I recognize the Rules Chair for a motion, are there any announcements?
• Seeing none, Madam Rules Chair, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved to the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27. Budget chairs presented the major spending areas, describing a $114.5 billion overall budget that they said was fiscally responsible and below the prior year’s spending. Highlights included pay increases and retirement adjustments for public safety employees, education funding for K-12, higher education, health and human services, criminal justice, transportation, environmental programs, and agriculture/regulatory agencies. Members then questioned chairs on several items. In education, senators discussed K-12 declining enrollment funding, teacher salary set-asides, private school scholarship spending, mental health funding, preeminence funding for universities, the Hamilton Center at UF, and charter school PICO funding. In health and human services, questions focused on the iBudget waiver waitlist, provider rates, ADAP/HIV funding and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, KidCare, rural health funding, SNAP-related IT and error reduction efforts, and the IDD managed care program. In criminal justice, senators asked about correctional officer pay, prison staffing and infrastructure, air conditioning in prisons, juvenile justice facilities, law enforcement recruitment, and court system funding. Environmental and transportation questions covered Florida Forever, water quality, state parks, water projects, housing, elections funding, and emergency management. Several specific actions and explanations were given during debate: the budget includes $8.8 million for state attorney competitive area differentials but no funding for public defender CAD requests; assistant state attorneys will start at $70,000 and assistant public defenders at $65,000; the battery disposal issue was described as a temporary study/preemption approach; and the Senate said the budget does not fund Medicaid expansion, preeminence funding, or the SunBucks Summer EBT state share. Senators also noted that some proposals discussed in committee did not make it into the final budget. The transcript ends with debate statements from members praising the budget process and Chair Hooper, while also expressing concerns about public schools, health care access, affordability, and the lack of funding for certain priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:39.039> for manufacturers on their facility for manufacturers on their facility for
• So that section now out of facility.
• beverage manufacturing facilities. beverage manufacturing facilities.
• Chairman makes his own rules. And we are work session is done. motion? Representative Patusk.
• >> Chairman makes his own rules. >> Chairman makes his own rules.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you may be aware that instruction and general facilities are currently funded through our general
• Higher Ed Department, as also detailed in the rest of that section E, the department shall promulgate rules
• So, if you are going to be giving to athletics facilities, they would have to meet that threshold.
• So on the student housing and student life projects and athletic facilities that can be on a project
• Million is earmarked for student life and housing projects statewide through the program that the rules

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second... ...increase in the number of facilities needing inspection from the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year
• software will automatically alert the appropriate division and the Division of Administration if any rules
• We have over 3,000 employees, five regional offices, and 76 field offices and facilities across the state
• Highway safety complies with the established laws and rules that govern fleet operations.
• The WEX cards act just like a credit card when they go to the repair facilities.

Summary: The Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum and heard several presentations on state fleet management. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services described its new fleet tracking rollout using AT&T/GeoTab devices, funded with $804,000, to monitor vehicle location, fuel use, idle time, driver behavior, and maintenance needs in real time. Members asked about whether the system was unique to FDACS and whether it duplicated reporting to the Department of Management Services; the agency said it was still implementing the system and would follow up on those questions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission presented on its large and diverse fleet, including more than 4,000 assets, and explained that it uses both the statewide FleetWave system and the Samsara telematics platform. FWC said FleetWave is used for monthly reporting and replacement tracking, while Samsara provides real-time location and diagnostics, reducing administrative burden and improving accountability. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol then outlined their fleet operations, emphasizing that most assets support law enforcement, that multiple manual systems create data inaccuracies, and that they are seeking a $750,000 increase to modernize fleet management with telematics, automated receipt processing, and a centralized database to improve safety and efficiency. The committee also considered SPB 7010, which would authorize the Department of Financial Services and local governmental entities to allow post-tax Roth contributions in deferred compensation plans, in addition to existing pre-tax contributions. After a brief explanation, there was no debate or public testimony, and the committee voted to submit the bill as a committee bill. The roll call showed the measure was favorably reported, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the severity of some of their cases, administrative law judges have been targeted by those who have ruled
• is the bill we heard previously by Representative Patterson relating to the adoption and review of rules
• and encourage more transparency in knowing total costs prior to procedures, and Texas has many facilities
• Healthcare facilities, physicians, providers, and the ERS Board of Trustees would manage and develop
• having to pay any deductibles, and if there's still a cost savings, then that procedure and that facility

Transcript Highlights:

• passed the you know to Draft rules passed the you know to Draft rules establishing<01:49:20.840>
• extended Boom for maintenance facilities extended Boom for maintenance facilities to<02:14:50.599
• the car rental facility.
• every pay period okay for some the rule every pay period okay for some the rule is<02:36:36.319>
• Part of the program required us to issue rules, and rules take a long time.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• renewal for care facility residents. renewal for care facility residents.
• Well, do you want to have a rules Well, do you want to have a rules committee?
• I So, need a rules committee.
• Rules committee.
• public facilities are just as essential. public facilities are just as essential.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And while Echo Glen and Green Hill are larger facilities, the national trend is toward smaller facilities
• , which research suggests are more... facilities, the national trend is toward smaller facilities, which
• to a community facility.
• Both of these facilities have over 100 beds.
• working across its secure and community facilities.

Summary: The committee met on July 15, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so it could not adopt prior minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and new JLARC staff, and noted national recognition for recent JLARC reports. The meeting then moved into a series of preliminary audit presentations and an agency strategic management update, with committee members asking questions after each item. JLARC presented a preliminary audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Staff concluded that crowding, staffing shortages, weak risk assessments, and inconsistent programming combine to create unsafe conditions. The report found that most youth are housed in two large secure facilities operating near or above capacity, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessment tools are not valid for the population, and program access depends more on facility than individual need. JLARC made one recommendation to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF, including improving retention, training, incident response procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, and data quality. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the agency agreed overcrowding is a serious problem, described ongoing efforts to improve staffing and safety, and said a detailed response would be provided later. Committee members raised concerns about education access, retaliation against staff or youth who participated in the audit, and whether JR-25 has helped or worsened conditions. JLARC then presented a preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. The audit found that L&I generally meets inspection timelines for health and safety complaints, but not for wage and hour or retaliation complaints, where delays are driven largely by time before assignment to an investigator. Staff said complaint volume exceeds capacity, though the agency has added staff, created screening processes, and reorganized workloads, and 2026 legislation now allows prioritization of complaints and broader investigations. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. An L&I representative said the agency is hiring additional staff and will provide a formal response later. The committee also received a JLARC overview and Department of Health strategic management plan update on hospital data reporting, inspections, complaints, and adverse event reporting. DOH reported measurable progress on inspection compliance, new staffing and licensing systems, translated complaint forms, and plans for future work on language access, adverse event reporting, and financial data dashboards. After lunch, JLARC began its 2026 tax preference performance reviews. The first review covered the Main Street tax credit, which JLARC said has helped increase the number of Main Street communities and businesses, with positive growth near designated districts; JLARC recommended continuing the preference and improving business-count data. The second review covered the equitable access to credit program, which JLARC said appears to support underserved communities by funding loans through CDFIs; JLARC recommended continuing the preference beyond its 2027 expiration. The committee began questions on the program mechanics and the role of the Community Reinvestment Act, and the presentation was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They played by the rules and now we are pulling the rug out from under them.
• Finally, on the takings concern, SB 1359 changes the rules after the fact.
• You know, so it just put some rules around them.
• There just would be some additional rules associated with. They wouldn't be exempted.
• And we have all sorts of OSHA rules and other rules that protect worker safety.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ma'am, you know that we have a rule. Please sit down.
• I don't know if I met the Megan Rule of submitting written testimony by a certain hour.
• Consultation to support this rule-making process.
• Chapter 232 of the Local Government Code allows counties to adopt model subdivision rules.
• Think about the golden rule: treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated.

Bills: HB48, HB 66, HB 68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB 3, SB 18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Addis and Pellerin
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 97, I request unanimous consent to re-refer file item 125, AB 569, Stephanie
• It takes a lot to run pumps, to run processing facilities that bring that food to you, to run trucks.
• Facilities need to be addressed. So this is part of helping with that.
• This is on the staffing side, but those facilities still need to be rebuilt.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those facilities are available now. Beds are available. Is the demand getting more and more?
• The purpose of my bill is to allow more facilities to open up outside of that area.
• Probationary facilities to become fully certified in different locations under the same EIN number.
• However, the issue is, on the federal side, that if that court case comes down and they rule in favor
• This is a bill related to assisted living facilities. It does four simple things.

Transcript Highlights:

• By creating a specific criminal offense for trespassing in these facilities, the bill ensures that...
• These intruders are disrupting not only the animals but also the safety and security of the facility.
• House Bill 1720... would make trespassing in a facility that houses animals a state jail felony, becoming
• We have lost count of break-ins and inappropriate human behavior in relation to not respecting the rules
• Our teams spend their lives caring for and protecting these animals at our facilities and in the wild

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had multiple meetings for the Rules Subcommittee this week.
• On June 15th, we met, and there were two rules. Rules Subcommittee this week.
• On June 15th, we met, and there were two rules that were pulled by the agencies, and all other rules
• Two rules were pulled by the agency, and one rule was held in public health.
• Two rules were pulled by the agency, and one rule was held in public health.

Keywords: 1204, all