Transcript Highlights:

• be awarded for a to a nonprofit to study be awarded for a to a nonprofit to study locates.<00:30
• <00:31:12.240> of Agriculture to oversee this study of Agriculture to oversee this study of
• I understand the desire to study it.
• I understand the desire to study it.
• the study should include more methods the study should include more methods and<00:36:10.960> more

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
• Our study annually tracks and thoughtfully considers the speed tiers that households are actually buying
• I worked in the state legislature myself as a legislator who was on the budget committee.
• I understand the pressures very much so you all are under as legislators.
• What do you think could be done legislatively to create that transparency? Do you have some ideas?

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee held an informational hearing on the state of broadband affordability in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the committee was examining how broadband prices, access, and affordability are affecting households, especially after the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and amid concerns about federal resistance to state broadband regulation. She noted the committee’s continued interest in policy options for 2026 and referenced prior legislation, including AB 353, that would have required affordable home internet as a condition of doing business in California. Industry witnesses from U.S. Telecom and CTIA argued that broadband and wireless prices have generally fallen in real terms even as inflation and other household costs have risen, citing competition, infrastructure investment, and faster speeds as the main drivers. They said California’s higher costs are tied to permitting delays, taxes, copper theft, and legacy obligations such as COLR requirements, and they urged the Legislature to preserve market incentives, reduce fees and regulatory burdens, and support infrastructure deployment. They also discussed fixed wireless access, federal BEAD funding, and Universal Service Fund reform, arguing that more entities benefiting from networks, including tech platforms, should contribute to support programs. Consumer and public-interest witnesses presented a different view, saying California still has a serious affordability and adoption problem, especially for low-income households. Sunny McPhee of the California Emerging Technology Fund said broadband adoption has improved dramatically over time, but about 500,000 households remain offline or underconnected and many low-income households still pay above the FCC affordability benchmark. Ernesto Falcon of the CPUC Public Advocates Office said California’s market is losing its competitive edge, with prices higher than in other states and meaningful price pressure coming mainly from fiber competition at the gigabit tier. He said roughly 4.8 million Californians are limited to one gigabit option and estimated that more competition could save consumers more than $1 billion annually. Both witnesses emphasized the need for stronger transparency, targeted subsidies, and a permanent affordability solution, including extending and refining the CPUC broadband Lifeline pilot and advancing SB 716. Public commenters, including representatives from cable providers, nonprofits, and digital equity organizations, largely supported SB 716 and a permanent broadband affordability program. Several urged the committee to remove a cap on the Lifeline program, expand the CPUC pilot, and invest in digital navigators, outreach, and enrollment assistance. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, after the chair thanked the witnesses and public commenters for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, we did have A public legislation before legislation represented, and also the Senate.
• And back to you, legislators.
• and the enabling legislation that will be required.
• We made the commitment with legislation to change.
• And like legislators, we get blamed.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:09:45.839> funds This last legislative session, the funds This last legislative
• about<00:43:11.839> 52 riverport study identified about 52 riverport study identified about
• So we would like to studies and plans.
• The Kentucky Department of Aviation did a study, an economic impact study, for the year 2022.
• > for did a study, economic impact study for did a study, economic impact study for the<01:13:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the October 15 minutes and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the UPS Worldport plane crash. The main presentation was from Transportation Cabinet Commissioner Bobby Joe Lewis on the Local Assistance Road Program/County Priority Projects Program (LAARP/CPP), which was implemented under House Bill 546 and now requires rehabilitation projects to restore roads to original condition, cap funding at $500,000 per project, use a new scoring matrix, include a local match, and submit one photograph per 300 feet of project length. He reported that the 2026-2027 cycle ran from June 1 to October 1 and drew 1,215 project applications from 107 counties and 106 cities, with total submitted project costs of about $121.1 million and about $102.3 million requested after local match. He also said 30% of submissions scored 10s and 22% scored 9s, and that the list of requests and required photos had been submitted to the General Assembly and LRC. Members asked about how scores change over time, whether roads can move from lower scores to 10s, and whether the new process gives a better picture of local needs. Lewis said scores can change based on weather and road conditions, but the new system provides more information and a more standardized evaluation than before. Several members raised concerns about the volume and size of required photographs, suggesting drone footage or video as an alternative; Lewis said the photo requirement has caused confusion and large file uploads, and he was open to considering easier ways to document conditions. Members also discussed continuity in scoring across districts, and Lewis explained that district staff appointed by chief district engineers use a handbook and scoring matrix, with the scores entered into a computer system so evaluators do not see the final score while scoring. The committee also discussed funding levels and carry-forward balances for the program. Lewis said the program began with $20 million authorized in HR92, noted underruns from completed projects, and reported a carry-forward amount that had grown to $355,432.42 available for reauthorization as of October 13. In response to questions, he said the current process concentrates applications into a short window, with 63% of applications arriving in the last few days and 417 on October 1, which created a heavy workload but was completed on time. The meeting then moved to multimodal funding priorities, with Jennifer Kersner of Kentuckians for Better Transportation introducing herself and offering condolences for the UPS aviation incident before beginning her remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I'm, I'm really grateful that, that you brought this legislation have picked this up.
• And Not so much of a question as a comment because Um, I've carried legislation like this.
• Studies show that 88% of Texans support red flag laws.
• And a DOD study has stated even certain red flags are common amongst mass shooters.
• We know from study after study that the threat of the death penalty does little to prevent violent crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• This body is actually put forth legislation just recently that attempts to do just that.
• We would study each one.
• That is where this legislation comes into play.
• So, I've studied core statute for the past 15 years, and it...
• And so, members, not a word of the legislation has changed since we saw it last session.

Bills: SB 438, SB 512, SB 647, SB 648, SB 1495, SB 2121, SB 2145, SB 2154, SB 2167, SB 2184, SB 2211, SB 2268, SB 2349, SB 2443, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 2902

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The meeting of the committee commenced with the establishment of a quorum, where members discussed and voted on five significant bills related to energy efficiency, insurance regulation, and public utility governance. Notably, Senate Bill 2717 was presented, incorporating feedback to foster collaboration among various state agencies for improved energy efficiency performance. This was followed by a detailed discussion on Senate Bill 1642, which proposed changes to the Texas Department of Insurance's executive structure to optimize management and consumer focus. Each bill saw active participation from senators who moved to adopt committee substitutes for clarity and responsiveness to stakeholder concerns, indicating a proactive approach to legislative issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, your Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures recommends House Rule 155.3.
• we've opened it up to any tax-exempt property or business in the state, and we're going to try to study
• . ...property or business in the state, and we're going to try to study that.
• Speaker, your committee on rules and legislative procedures has had...
• So that's why I opposed the legislation. For discussion? Chair sees none.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was presented in the Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) in December of 2024 in Apollo.
• It is very hard for legislators to understand where we are actually spending our money.
• I'm Mark Montoya, Senior Policy Analyst for the Legislative Education Study Committee.
• As a legislator, I will say that these are my colleagues.
• And again, I don't know how that is legislated.

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.000> codify This legislative initiative will codify This legislative initiative will codify
• Additionally, the planned legislation Additionally, the planned legislation aims<00:03:23.080> to<
• :38.240> a This legislative proposal offers a This legislative proposal offers a pragmatic,<00
• to you today legislation I plan to file to you today legislation I plan to file in<00:18:02.880> the
• the details of the legislation. the details of the legislation. Thank<00:18:54.000> you.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed. The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines. Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• > looking<00:36:50.160> at what this legislation is looking at what this legislation is
• including a Department of Revenue study including a Department of Revenue study on<00:45:15.200>
• <00:45:24.480> The<00:45:24.800> study the results of this study.
• The study the results of this study.
• 01:14:18.560> be legislative audit commission will be legislative audit commission will be meeting

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative reception is in the president's room at the Rio Chama, 5 to 7:30 by invitation.
• And after her studies, she wants to work her way up to a position in the FBI.
• for legislators and their guests.
• Unanimous consent that our business be the introduction of legislation.
• A memorial requesting the New Mexico Legislative Council to direct the creation of a wildfire study group

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, everybody, to our Government Finance Transportation Study Subcommittee meeting.
• How much did Minot receive from the additional funding through the 69th Legislative Assembly?
• Of course, the study is underneath the umbrella of the full committee.
• -26 interim for inclusion in the Government Finance Committee's report to Legislative Management.
• And if you'd rather have individual legislators take a crack at a bill draft, that's fine as well.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Government Finance Transportation Study Subcommittee met to review fixed-route transit systems and related funding needs. After approving the prior meeting minutes, the committee heard presentations from Cities Area Transit in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, Bisman Transit in Bismarck-Mandan, and MATBUS/Fargo, along with comments from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy. The transit agencies described their routes, paratransit services, ridership trends, fare structures, fleet replacement needs, and rising operating costs, emphasizing that transit supports access to work, school, medical care, and other essential services. Testimony also noted that ridership fell during the pandemic and has been recovering, while vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply. Grand Forks transit reported 17 routes, a recent fare increase, and operating costs that exceed fare revenue, with paratransit service extending beyond the federal minimum service area. Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions, local mill levies, sales tax support, and federal grant structure, and said it is seeking more stable funding and flexibility beyond paratransit-only support. Minot’s transit superintendent explained the state’s existing transit aid formula, the use of refurbished buses, and the challenges of driver recruitment and electric bus infrastructure. Fargo asked for additional state support for fixed-route urban transit. Committee members discussed whether ride-share services could replace transit, the cost per trip, local match requirements, and whether a separate state funding source should be recommended for the four urban fixed-route systems. The subcommittee ultimately approved a motion to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of its activities for inclusion in the full Government Finance Committee report, and members indicated they would seek more detailed funding figures from the transit agencies before making any specific recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• their studies. their studies.
• just I can't concentrate on my study. just I can't concentrate on my study.
• I study policy and sociology.
• study policy and sociology. study policy and sociology.
• goal of of the legislation. goal of of the legislation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are currently in an RFP process to procure that study.
• So I guess I'm trying to ask and just trying to make it apparent to legislators that costs go up.
• The cost analysis study, though, will actually look at the cost, the true costs that it would take to
• As opposed to a cost analysis study looking at the real live, real-time reality of the cost of living
• The cost analysis study looks at modeled programs using actual cost drivers, and then there's a list

Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met for an update from the Office of Early Childhood within the Department of Education. Members heard that the office’s goals under the LEARNS Act are to improve kindergarten readiness, support families, ensure quality providers, and expand affordable, accessible child care. Staff reviewed the local lead system, licensing, quality efforts such as CLASS and QRIS, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federal CCDF-funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of a little over 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 21,000 children with authority recently increased to 24,000 slots. A major topic was the difference between market rate surveys and cost analysis studies. Officials said the department is procuring both through an RFP, hoping to begin by August and have results by late in the year. Members pressed for current reimbursement levels, the gap between ABC and SRA funding, and whether ABC funding should be increased to better match costs. Staff explained that SRA rates are set at 75% of the market rate, while ABC per-child funding is much lower, and that ABC slots are limited by the overall allocation. They also explained that some ABC slots were increased by moving children from a discontinued federal pre-K arrangement into ABC to preserve continuity of care. Committee members raised concerns about rural access, infant and toddler shortages, provider stability, workforce pay, and communication with families and providers. Officials said local leads are now helping identify underserved areas, that no county with absolutely no care is known, and that the department is trying to get a truer statewide count of children and providers. They also described efforts to improve communication through monthly provider calls, website postings, and direct case contacts with families. Members discussed possible funding increases, including ideas to reduce the SRA wait list and raise ABC funding, but no formal vote or action was taken beyond approving prior meeting minutes and receiving the update.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you say that there's legislation you're going to be supporting this session around?
• Kathy has over 20 years of experience in public policy. including working as a Legislative Director to
• But On that point, where do you see the shortfalls in funding for the university for areas of study that
• Is New Mexico Tech looking at, or have they done any studies, or are they in the process of doing any
• studies, or funded to do any studies related to future New Mexico?

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill establishing a committee to study private business providing special education services
• The commission study stops on July 1, 2026.
• The commission study stops on July 1, 2026.
• There is a need to have this committee study that you have.
• I study that you have.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The conference committee first discussed HB 1099, which creates a committee to study private business providing special education services and local school district reimbursement. Members explained that the issue is broader than special education alone, involving residential placements, foster care, court-ordered placements, and questions about which entity pays for education and care costs when students are placed in residential facilities. The House proposed an amendment to expand the study to include students placed in residential facilities by school districts as well as those placed through episodes of treatment or court order, and members agreed the existing commission would not resolve the issue before its July 1, 2026 expiration. Representative Coker raised concern about the phrase “but not limited to,” but members said the broader language was needed to capture placements beyond the existing statutory categories. The committee then agreed to accede to the Senate version of HB 1099 with a committee amendment, and the House voted unanimously to adopt amendment 2026-1845H. The bill was placed on the consent calendar, and the meeting adjourned. The transcript also includes a separate conference committee discussion on HB 1807, concerning mandatory reporting to voters. The main dispute was how to present administrator compensation: the House favored total administrative cost, while the Senate initially preferred average administrator salary. Members debated whether voters would be better informed by totals or averages, and whether the bill should define “administrator” more clearly by reference to DOE rules. The committee reached a tentative compromise to add both an average administrator salary graph and a total administrator cost graph, define administrators by reference to ED 501.02(B), scale the graph more precisely, and list the top 10 highest-paid administrators plus any employee earning over $100,000. Both chambers then gave unanimous support to the revised approach, with the understanding that the draft would be finalized and signed later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to remind legislators that, you know, because you'll get calls from farmers that have, you
• One of the priorities from the group that moved this legislation forward was to increase the capacity
• You know, that will be a separate study that really tries to look at this money and where, you know,
• And for the sake of time, I'm just gonna use Winter Carolina as an example as a case study today.
• The study is co-chaired by Minnesota Farmers Union and the Minnesota Environmental Partnership.

Bills: HF3692

Keywords: Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, mediation, agriculture finance, debt relief, civil law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• uh, sorry, committee legislative uh, sorry, committee legislative assistant,<00:02:36.720> House
• The first<01:16:29.920> study<01:16:30.719> studies<01:16:31.120> a<01:16:31.280
• > search<01:16:31.520> charge first study studies a search charge first study studies a
• this legislation.
• The bill assemble this legislation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair calls Jeb Bell with the Legislative Budget Board. Mr. Bell.
• The Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Workgroup released their required report for the upcoming legislative
• Um, your study from, I think it was November.
• OK, so we're still studying the question.
• I mean, so what is the, what is your plan for, um, completing the study on the single market clearing

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for giving the opportunity, and I did give a signed copy to fellow legislative colleagues.
• Thank you for giving the opportunity, and I did give a signed copy to fellow legislative colleagues.
• So you guys legislative uh colleagues.
• today and what they found was if study today and what they found was if you<00:29:27.679> just
• I started as a legislative aide. So please take care of your legislative aides.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.