Transcript Highlights:

• Support the water and now wastewater systems that the Water Trust Board supports.
• Water storage projects have a separate set; water conservation has a separate set.
• The music... water systems, over 40, I think, and God knows how many acequias and water systems and water
• surface water we can.
• So, Madam Chair, the Water Trust Board goes to the Water Trust Board, the Water Trust Board makes the

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor of the state of Texas wants to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas.
• children and... the well-being of Texas schools again.
• Arkansas does not impact Texas.
• And it looks like someone on his staff just lifted the TABC code, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission
• I don't want that for Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• , fire codes.
• <00:24:34.080> Uh<00:24:34.400> if are building codes, fire codes.
• Uh if are building codes, fire codes.
• Amending the state building code to allow, or to reduce costs associated with high building code mandates
• with that except to send out the code with that except to send out the code enforcer.<01:01:29.280

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call 00:00:12 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:03:12 Discussion of Housing and Land Use 00:21:58 Discussion of Short Term Rental Policies 01:03:17 Adjournment 01:15:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 4, 2025 meeting and then heard a series of presentations focused largely on housing and land-use policy. Senator Robbie Mills and Representative Josh Bray discussed two 2025 housing measures: Senate Bill 50, which would create residential infrastructure development districts to help local governments finance infrastructure for new housing developments through special assessments and local debt, and House Bill 7, which would let local governments identify development areas and rebate new property tax revenue to developers as an incentive for housing growth. They said Kentucky faces a statewide housing shortage of roughly 210,000 units, projected to grow if building patterns do not change, and argued that regulatory relief and financing tools are needed to increase supply. Representative Rebecca Rymer presented House Bill 371, which would require local permitting when an industry’s residual waste landfill is located in a different county from the industry itself. She said current law lets such landfills bypass local review, leaving host counties with no say despite road impacts and other local burdens. She said the bill would preserve the existing exemption when the landfill and industry are co-located, and noted support from KLC and KO. Representative Steve Doan also described House Bill 806, a statewide backyard chicken bill that would allow domesticated hens, prohibit roosters, set a minimum of six hens that local governments could not go below, and preserve local authority over setbacks, sanitation, maintenance standards, and egg sales. He said it would override outright local bans but not HOA restrictions, and cited a current Northern Kentucky dispute and ADA litigation as reasons for the proposal. The committee then heard a broader discussion on housing and land use from Charlie Gardner of the Mercatus Center and Nolan Gray of California YIMBY and the Bluegrass Institute. They outlined categories of land-use regulation, described the recent growth of state-level housing reforms nationwide, and cited examples such as ADU legalization, smaller lot sizes, reduced parking minimums, streamlined permitting, and single-stair or other building-code reforms. They argued that housing shortages are a statewide concern, that localities often have incentives to block growth, and that state intervention can reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising health and safety. Members asked about the housing shortage estimate, the effect of red tape on safety and local authority, and how state reforms could be phased in; the presenters said reforms often include lead time, can be targeted to larger jurisdictions, and should focus on reducing time and cost while maintaining basic standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we need to look at the roads, the water infrastructure, the electricity, the natural gas.
• And because of the way the procurement code works, we can't officially announce them until every single
• And I guess Minnesota and Texas argue about who's one or two. Absolutely.
• And I guess Minnesota and Texas argue about who's one or two. Absolutely.
• The State Fair of Texas has around 2 million people that come to their fair.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and tests to prevent Black people from voting, Texas didn't do that.
• the subcommittee uh for building codes the subcommittee uh for building codes we're<01:53:56.360
• It might be that the building code talks about inspectors, and each town can appoint its code inspectors
• It might be that the building code talks about inspectors, and each town can appoint its code inspectors
• 23-31 which says that the building code 23-31 which says that the building code shall<05:16:58.958

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened on House Bill 192, which concerns the Joint Committee on Employee Classification process for state employee positions. Representative Peter Schmidt explained that the bill is a procedural step to send already-reviewed classifications to Korn Ferry and then into statute and the budget. Department of Corrections staff and Commissioner Helen Hanks testified that one Deputy Director of Medical Services position had been omitted from the bill by mistake even though it had already gone through the JCEC process, and they asked for an amendment to add it. Hanks clarified that the position is an existing classified job being converted to unclassified status, not a new position. The committee discussed how the amendment would work and the quorum requirements for the JCEC, then closed the hearing on HB 192 after no further testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 435, sponsored by Representative Don McFarland, which would clarify professional engineering licensure law. McFarland said the bill is intended to make clear that work in IT security, electronics, digital systems, computing, and software is not the practice of engineering requiring a professional engineer license, while preserving licensure requirements for fields such as civil, structural, and building-related engineering. He said he had consulted with the American Council of Engineering Companies and that the bill is meant to remove ambiguity and legal risk, not deregulate engineering. Several members with engineering backgrounds spoke in support, describing the distinction between licensed PE work and other technical fields, and one member noted that software development and regulated software work typically do not require a PE license. The committee voted ought to pass on HB 435 by a roll call of 16-0 and placed it on consent. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 210, which would create a commission to study the New Hampshire state flag. Representative Tom Corman argued that the current flag is a generic “state seal on a blue bedsheet” and does not meet common vexillological design principles such as simplicity, meaningful symbolism, limited colors, and distinctiveness. He said the proposed commission would include legislative members plus representatives of the New Hampshire Historical Society and the New England Vexillological Association, and would review the flag’s history and recommend whether to redesign it and how to do so. He also indicated he intended to add language to avoid costs, but the bill discussion was not completed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pro-eating-disorder content creators speak in code words that fly under the radar of restrictions.
• So Vermont recently enacted an age-appropriate design code that actually a portion of that law now is
• design code goes a bit further to... ...age-appropriate design code, but the Vermont age-appropriate
• design code goes a bit further to more broadly regulate abusive data design practices for minors in
• We're never going to look at their code.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code detachment. The coders are the uh helicopters that we often used for domestic operations.
• Waters in the National Guards were happy to have in Florida.
• That's a Texas number in a California number. And that's it for me to get there.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From our school boards and the Texas Capitol Developing youth visibility in policymaking.
• The passage of the school vouchers bill in Texas is not just a political decision.
• Across Texas, we're witnessing an alarming trend. Books are being pulled...
• Across Texas, we're witnessing an alarming trend.
• And today, that is the Texas Capitol.

Keywords: student advocacy, SB12, SB13, public education policy, youth engagement, marginalized communities, legislative representation

Summary: Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) held an advocacy event at the Texas Capitol focused on youth participation in policymaking and opposition to recent education-related legislation. Speakers, including student organizers and SEAT leaders, argued that students should have a direct voice in decisions affecting public schools, curriculum, and school governance. Representative Donna Howard briefly attended to support the group, praised their advocacy, and referenced the idea that if young people are not given a seat at the table, they should “bring your own chair.” Several student speakers criticized the newly passed school vouchers bill as a threat to public education and said it would divert resources from public schools. Others opposed bills such as Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13, describing them as harmful to LGBTQ+ students and inclusive education. One speaker also condemned book bans and library censorship, arguing that students need access to diverse books and truthful, inclusive curricula. The speakers framed these issues as matters of student rights, belonging, and free expression. SEAT executive director Cameron Samuels closed by describing the organization’s history of student-led activism against book bans and exclusion from school policymaking. Samuels said the group had distributed challenged books, pursued legal action over blocked internet resources, and delivered a Student Bill of Rights to superintendents and legislators. The event ended without any formal legislative vote or committee action, serving instead as a press conference and advocacy rally urging lawmakers to listen to students.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for the record, my name is Kirk Watson, and I'm the mayor of Austin, Texas, and I'm also by statute
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 135 seeks to clarify the tax code in relation to tax exemptions for
• supports land conservation, hunting tourism, and the Texas economy.
• supports land conservation, hunting tourism, and the Texas economy.
• It does benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters in Texas, and I want to thank the committee.

Bills: HB135

Keywords: civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal, animals

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard Senate Bill 2345, as a committee substitute, which would reform the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund. Senator Schwertner explained that the bill is based on an agreed voluntary funding soundness restoration plan between the City of Austin and the fund, and would create a new reduced benefit tier for firefighters hired on or after January 1, 2026, adjust COLAs for current retirees, establish an actuarially determined funding model to address legacy liabilities and 2024 asset losses over 30 years, and add new board seats. Mayor Kirk Watson, city finance staff, the fund executive director, trustees, and retired firefighters all testified in support, describing the measure as an agreed-to, fiscally responsible compromise that protects benefits, supports recruitment, and reduces risk to taxpayers. The committee adopted the committee substitute, but left SB 2345 pending. The committee also heard House Bill 135, which clarifies tax treatment for exotic game or exotic livestock operations by defining them within agricultural exemptions and stating that sales of exotic livestock are not subject to sales and use taxes. Senator Flores described it as a clarification to provide consistency and fairness, and a witness for the Exotic Wildlife Association said it would resolve a Comptroller-related tax issue and benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters. The committee closed public testimony and reported HB 135 favorably to the full Senate, with a motion to place it on the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 771, by Senator Hinojosa, was also heard and later reported favorably. The bill would allow diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units or power takeoff units to qualify for the same fuel tax credit or refund already available for gasoline, correcting an inadvertent exclusion from the 2003 motor fuel tax rewrite. A witness supported the bill as a matter of tax equity. The committee then considered House Bill 1109, the House companion to SB 935, which exempts counties from certain motor fuel taxes on fuel used in county vehicles; Senator Hall explained it as simply exempting government agencies from paying the tax on their own vehicles. HB 1109 was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's always a great day when you have the chance to be here at the Texas Capitol.
• And John Sparza with the Texas Trucking Association.
• And John Sparza with the Texas Trucking Association.
• This campaign with the Texas Trucking Association is another example of Texas leading, you know, with
• Yeah, and we’re really proud of our partnership with Texas DPS.

Bills: SJR36, SB2

Summary: Texas senators, representatives, the Texas Trucking Association, DPS, and Bob’s House of Hope held a Capitol press event focused on human trafficking awareness, with an emphasis on the often-overlooked trafficking of boys and young men. Speakers said Texas remains among the worst states for stopping trafficking and argued that public awareness must expand beyond the common assumption that victims are only girls and women. Several participants described trafficking as modern-day slavery and stressed that it affects people across all backgrounds, including in border and highway communities. The event highlighted a new awareness campaign in partnership with the trucking industry, including decals and posters to be placed on trucks statewide to encourage drivers and the public to “see something, say something.” Texas Trucking Association leaders said the industry’s large statewide footprint gives it a major role in spotting suspicious activity and educating drivers. Bob Williams of Bob’s House of Hope said his organization opened the first U.S. safe house for sex-trafficked boys and young men and cited studies suggesting boys may make up a substantial share of trafficking victims, though the problem is underreported. Lawmakers and DPS officials said the state should continue giving law enforcement more tools to combat trafficking and praised the partnership with private industry and victim services. No formal vote or legislative action was taken at the event; the main action was the launch of the awareness campaign and the public rollout of the truck decals, with participants posing for photos with the first truck carrying the new messaging.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, we have narrowed the specific provisions of a section of code that applies to education preparation
• It makes sure that these provisions of code are actually in place so that at the certification level,
• If there was a conflict between those policies in the code, often that happens. and they reconcile quite
• about this historic legacy level of funding, and all the great things that will come from this for Texas
• It's going to make a huge difference, and we just want to thank you from South Texas. Thank you.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Texas Occupation Code currently has a rigid rule requiring code enforcement trainees to work under
• It allows swift, affordable code enforcement amid Texas booming population.
• Uh, it's critical for rural Texas, enabling towns to act fast and maintain livability as growth strains
• An international syndicate effectively purchased the historic Texas lottery jackpot of $95 million.
• Uh, this is, uh, a bill to ensure Texas lottery is not influenced by outside organizations or groups

Transcript Highlights:

• what your bank will and won't ask, such as, you know, we'll never ask you for that one-time security code
• We enforce the Arkansas Insurance Fraud Act and the Arkansas Criminal Code.
• every direct deposit that they have set up, every direct ACH payment that they have set up for their water
• every direct deposit that they have set up, every direct ACH payment that they have set up for their water
• It puts a one-time code in there, and that's much harder for the fraudsters to actually capture the guts

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members and witnesses describing scams targeting seniors, small businesses, and working families. The committee first approved the November 3, 2025 minutes, then heard from the Arkansas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, banks, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association, the State Bank and Securities Department, the Insurance Department, and AARP. Witnesses described common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, government imposter scams, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, fake job postings, gift card scams, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, identity theft, and insurance fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that cryptocurrency kiosks and crypto transfers make recovery difficult or impossible, and that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and scalable. Witnesses repeatedly stressed education, verification, and coordination among banks, law enforcement, regulators, and consumers. Bank and mortgage representatives urged consumers to slow down, independently verify wire instructions, avoid clicking unexpected links, use tap-to-pay rather than chip or swipe when possible, and never share account credentials or one-time codes. The Attorney General’s office said it investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes, works with social media platforms to remove scam ads, and recently created a Financial Fraud Task Force with bankers and other stakeholders. The State Bank and Securities Commissioner highlighted the Safe AR Act, the state’s crypto kiosk framework, and fraud education efforts such as “fraud bingo,” while the Insurance Department described its law-enforcement role and a range of insurance-related fraud schemes it prosecutes. AARP said fraud is widespread and underreported, especially among older adults. Members asked about reporting scams, how losses are handled, whether tap is safer than chip, how crypto fraud works, whether Arkansas has model legislation to address telecom and social media impersonation, and how local law enforcement and state agencies coordinate investigations. Witnesses said banks generally absorb much of the financial loss under federal rules, while consumers bear the inconvenience and account changes. Several witnesses said Arkansas should consider additional legislation to hold telecom companies and social media platforms accountable for spoofed caller IDs and impersonation ads, and one witness said a federal Scam Act is moving in Congress. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes, but witnesses agreed to share consumer education materials and model legislation with committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are therefore considered employees under the Texas DPS rules, Texas Workforce Commission rules,
• TAFE, the Texas Association of Polygraph Examiners, and, uh, secondly, the Texas Association of Law Enforcement
• Uh, the Texas, so speaking on behalf of the Texas Department of Public Safety, uh, we have 17 polygraph
• or far east Texas or up in the panhandle, because I know my nephew who's in the National Guard, Texas
• We have to protect Texas ourselves.

Bills: SB 36

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• They have more dollars than Century Code is supposed to allow.
• With the current code that we have now?
• There's another provision of Century Code that calls it the interim fund.
• I think it was a Minot Water Treatment Plant.
• We're always evaluating our Century Code, our Chapter 54-10.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a color-coded red-and-blue map to detail how red-performing this map is.
• It was a color-coded red-and-blue map to detail how red-performing this map is.
• the map color-coded that you received?
• There were no other codes or colors other than the map.
• We know when water flows, it nourishes everything it touches.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituted with House Bill 1D, both establishing Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Senator Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a proposed redistricting plan on short notice and argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based provisions in the Fair Districts Amendment are unconstitutional. He repeatedly said the Legislature was not being asked to prove the Governor’s legal theory, only to consider the proposal, and noted that no amendments were offered. A lengthy question-and-answer period followed, with senators raising concerns about the rushed process, lack of statewide public hearings, and the map’s effects on minority communities, compactness, communities of interest, and partisan fairness. Senators questioned whether the map cracked Latino and Black communities, whether partisan data was used, whether the Governor’s office had outside consultants, and whether the plan complied with the Florida Constitution, the Fair Districts Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act. Gates generally deferred on legal conclusions, said the Governor’s representatives had testified the map was race-neutral and used political data only as one factor, and emphasized that any constitutional challenge would be for the courts. After a motion to temporarily postpone failed by a recorded vote of 12 yeas to 23 nays, the Senate continued debate. Senators Rouson, Bernard, and others spoke in opposition, arguing the proposal was rushed, partisan, and harmful to communities of interest and minority voting power. Gates maintained that the Governor had a constitutional prerogative to propose the map and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The House companion bill was then substituted for the Senate bill, read a third time, and the chamber moved into final debate on the congressional redistricting plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a color-coded red-and-blue map to detail how red-performing this map is.
• the map color-coded that you received?
• There were no other codes or colors other than the map.
• There were no other codes or colors other than the map.
• We know when water flows, it nourishes everything it touches.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2985, cap water state land allocation. HCR 2016, voting centers precinct voting.
• pharmacy board civil to penalties HB 2966 dangerous crimes against children probation HB 2985 cap water
• . ...and potentially could place a lien on somebody's property under the Arizona Civil Code.
• It's interesting to know what happened with the Texas primaries.
• something that Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton puts together, with a lot of information on water

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, there used to be a high-risk pool, right, with Texas Mutual? Texas Mutual.
• Yeah, Texas Mutual.
• In Texas, they're 15% to 20%.
• Texas, born and raised. Yeah, all right. Okay. Neuro-restorative. Texas is born and raised.
• Okay, as far as Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have more dollars than Century Code is supposed to allow.
• With the current code that we have now?
• There's another provision of Century Code that calls it the interim fund.
• I think it was a Minot Water Treatment Plant.
• We’re always evaluating our Century Code, our chapter 54-10.

Keywords: 908, all