Transcript Highlights:

• Excuse me, I'm out of shave to make spaceports eligible for tax exempt private activity bonds.
• you know, what is the posture of those 2 spaceports with regard to, uh, tax-exempt private activity bonds
• What is do they have the authority to do private activity bonds?
• So currently the IRS permits tax-exempt private activity bonds for specific infrastructure and economic
• The Texas Constitution limits this bill to only non-substantive revisions or things that do not change

Committee: Senate Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to facilitate the goal of hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time, we
• Now, the advantages of waste discharge requirements is that they don't have a limit.
• And that currently only applies to non-federal water, and that's why it's limiting to some extent.
• You’ll be limited to two minutes, and you’re between us and lunch. But we have a microphone.
• So I will not limit public comment.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy focused on infrastructure, pollution, climate resilience, public health, access, and economic impacts of sea level rise in California, with an emphasis on San Diego and the Bay Area. Chair Tasha Boerner Horvath opened by describing the committee’s purpose, the state’s sea level rise action planning, and the need for better monitoring and early warning systems. She also referenced her prior bills AB 66 and AB 72, which supported Scripps research on coastal bluff collapse warning capabilities. Assembly Members David Alvarez and Jessica Caloza later joined and emphasized that sea level rise affects not only coastal communities but inland areas as well, and that the issue should inform future legislative and budget decisions. In the first panel, Dr. Mark Merrifield of Scripps Institution of Oceanography described observed sea level rise of roughly 0.8 to 0.9 feet since the early 1900s, with acceleration expected by mid-century and potentially much greater rise by 2100 depending on emissions. He highlighted flooding, groundwater rise, beach and cliff erosion, salinization, and risks to transportation, sewage, ports, and national security. Dave Gibson of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board discussed how sea level rise affects wastewater systems, stormwater, contaminated sites, wetlands, and coastal groundwater basins, and said the board is requiring climate adaptation planning, updating stormwater permits, and seeking more flexible state permitting and mitigation tools. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better mapping, more monitoring, and more state funding, especially if federal support from NOAA and other agencies declines. The second panel addressed public health, equitable access, and local economies. Ramon Chiras of Un Mar de Colores described how sea level rise, pollution, and access barriers threaten the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach, especially for underserved communities and youth programs that rely on safe, welcoming access to the ocean. He stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of coastal access and the need for water safety and environmental education. Jessica Fane of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission explained that the Bay Area faces major economic exposure from sea level rise, citing a regional estimate of $96 billion in adaptation costs versus $230 billion in potential losses from inaction, and said BCDC is working with local governments under SB 272 on shoreline adaptation planning, funding, and regulatory innovation. Members discussed the tension between environmental permitting and the need to move projects faster, including the possibility of planned retreat in some areas and the use of simultaneous permitting and longer-term state authority to streamline adaptation work. In the final panel, Philip Gibbons of the Port of San Diego described the port’s climate adaptation efforts and its vulnerability assessments under AB 691. He said the port manages state tidelands, supports maritime commerce and recreation, and is already seeing flooding at king tides and during El Niño events, including storm-drain backflow and damage to bikeways and parks. He explained that future sea level rise could inundate major port areas and disrupt operations, underscoring the need for continued planning, mitigation, and infrastructure investment. The hearing did not take formal votes, but it concluded with a clear call for more science, funding, coordination, and regulatory streamlining to prepare California’s coast and nearby communities for worsening sea level rise impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I don't think that it's limited to just that.
• The intent or focus of this, I don't think that that would necessarily limit the SRB from continuing
• Okay, this has not to do with the bail bond administration. Okay, all right.
• And what's that qualification limit? Do you know it varies based on household size, but it's...
• The time limit is 90 days, is that what I'm reading correctly? Yes, ma'am.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a revenue bond. So when they pay it off, it's revenue back to the state.
• </c><00:05:13.680><c> It</c><00:05:13.919><c> is</c><00:05:14.000><c> a</c> care facilities in bonding
• It is a care facilities in bonding. It is a revenue<00:05:14.560><c> bond.
• So when they pay it off, revenue bond.
• Our current scope of practice limits us from performing these procedures in a clinical setting.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• will be a lottery, and the people who are eligible for that lottery would be people of the income limits
• </c><00:04:25.040><c> and</c> would be people of the income limits and would be people of the income
• limits and people<00:04:25.600><c> with</c><00:04:25.840><c> disabilities.
• </c> limited to $10,000. limited to $10,000.
• There are no testifiers. able to take the whole limit the whole able to take the whole limit the whole

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this simply allows municipal courts to change your jurisdictional limits with move passage.
• And they don't like the person on my private property because it's within the limits.
• HB 3526 by Capriglione, relating to fiscal transparency for bonds issued by local government entities
• HB. 3526 by Caprilyone, relating to fiscal transparency for bonds issued by local government entities
• Members, this bill is two-term limits for Port Freeport. They've asked for it. It's a local bill.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• We shouldn't just limit ourselves to solar.
• That wildfire mitigation plan couldn't limit their liability.
• Some stakeholders really wanted some limitations on liability if compliance with an approved plan is
• Second, I have a couple more questions regarding limited liability on the utility departments.
• Yes, the airborne electromagnetic surveys are limited in depth.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So we wouldn't limit it to two minutes or can I think what she can say will be quick and if you had I
• home, that they, And the only bonding that they've ever known is in a foster home, that their parents
• have gone to prison, their mom and/or dad have gone to prison, and the only bonding relationship that
• They may, if the child is older and they've continued to have a bond, absolutely they'll consider it.
• When it comes down to it, it's like our Constitution places limits on what government can and cannot

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 and March 10 minutes, then introduced RS 33592C1, a proposal for a state pilot program to study psychedelic substances for PTSD and traumatic brain injury, with the sponsor saying no state funding was requested. The committee also heard and advanced Senate Bill 1255, which would add tribal health care facilities and tribal police officers to Idaho’s involuntary commitment process so tribal members in mental health crises can be evaluated and held more quickly; tribal representatives and the sponsor said it would improve coordination without changing state funding or the underlying commitment standards. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1257 on foster care visitation and permanency. The bill would clarify that visitation can include in-person, video, phone, and written contact, limit in-person visitation after substantiated serious physical or sexual abuse unless a court finds it is in the child’s best interest, and allow courts to consider a parent’s likely long-term incarceration when deciding permanency and termination. Department officials, foster parents, adoptees, and child welfare advocates testified that the bill would protect children from re-traumatization and give courts clearer statutory guidance. Some members raised due process and parental-rights concerns, arguing the bill could expand agency power or reduce protections, but after a failed motion to hold the bill in committee, the committee approved it on a roll call vote and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also resumed testimony on House Bill 808, which would expand the Medical Freedom Act. County, hospital, city, business, and public health witnesses opposed the bill, saying it would create conflicts with federal health and accreditation rules, weaken school and child care immunization protections, reduce the usefulness of the IRIS immunization registry, and interfere with employer and public-safety decisions. Supporters argued the bill would strengthen bodily autonomy and parental choice and reduce coercion around vaccines. The sponsor closed by saying the bill was about protecting private medical decisions, but no final action on HB 808 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:33:39.920><c> the</c> yes because it's going to limit the yes because it's going to limit the
• It might limit a child's intake of the recommended foods.
• That's aggregate data that we're getting from the local levels.
• That's aggregate data that we're getting from the local levels.
• </c><03:55:39.600><c> student</c> schools have limited student schools have limited student participation

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 651, a school-funding bill that would raise the base cost of an adequate education and increase differentiated aid for students in poverty, English language learners, and special education. The chair opened with housekeeping notices about parking and eating in committee spaces, and noted a revised fiscal note would be distributed. Representative David Luneau presented the bill as part of a broader package of public school funding measures, explaining that HB 651 builds on HB 550 and is intended to respond to court rulings and the ongoing school-funding litigation by adjusting both the base adequacy amount and equity-based funding factors. Luneau said the bill would raise the state’s adequacy grant from about $4,100 to $7,351 per student and increase differentiated aid, while also updating statutory language so future recalculations include the court-identified resource elements. He argued the measure is about fairness and shifting more of the burden from local property taxpayers to the state, not about increasing overall education spending. He reviewed fiscal-note figures indicating the bill would add roughly $576 million to the state share of school funding, bringing the total state share to about $1.65 billion, and said the note also mentions possible effects on charter schools and vouchers. Committee members asked about the evidence supporting higher costs for low-income and English learner students, how long ESL funding should continue, why free-and-reduced-lunch aid remains higher than special education aid, whether the formula is based on enrollment or average daily membership, and whether the bill is truly equitable across districts of different sizes and needs. Luneau and later witness Zach Shen of the New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project said the bill is supported by research and court findings, that the current formula relies heavily on local property taxes, and that shifting more funding to the state would reduce property-tax pressure and help address disparities among districts. Shen also cited broad public support for the related HB 550 testimony and said HB 651 is intended as a step toward a more equitable funding system. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony on any such bill will be limited to a statement of name, organization, and position.
• There are one-time limited administrative activities, not an ongoing programmatic cost.
• The costs are limited to routine administrative updates, staff education, and signage.
• As written, the bill isn't limited to the scenario that the senator described.
• Please limit your comments to name, organization, and position on the bill.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the bonding process and all of that.
• If someone posts bail with a bail bonding company and they fail to appear for court, the bonding company
• is liable for their bond.
• People who do cash bonds or bonding hold enough money in escrow to cover all the bonds they write.
• I don't have Bonds in Kentucky anymore.

Bills: HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, violent crimes, Alabama Supreme Court, employment, criminal record, certificate of employability, occupational licensing, negligent hiring, rehabilitation, limited relief, tribal police, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Their parents had limited educational opportunity; however, hard work and dedication was a way of life
• We're talking about severance tax bonds here.
• severance tax bonds we usually use for capital outlay.
• We sell severance tax bonds for capital outlay, and we use cash for capital outlay.
• I know it sounds like it just limits this to particular projects.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• You're not limited to what the governor proposed. You're not limited to what agencies want.
• comes outside of the book. limited to what the governor proposed limited to what the governor proposed
• for a state general obligation bond.
• </c> State's bond State's bond ratings<01:36:35.719><c> when</c><01:36:36.080><c> the</c><01:36:36.400
• The question was whether this should be Highway-funded bonds or General-funded bonds."

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining how agencies assess facility needs, rank projects, and submit requests to the governor’s office. DAS described its Plant and Property division, which maintains 96 state buildings, and Public Works, which develops detailed cost estimates for selected projects. Officials said the governor’s office has traditionally narrowed requests into priority tiers, but this year all projects were estimated, creating more work and less detail. They also emphasized that the capital budget book functions as legislative intent and can be binding on how approved funds are used. On the substance of the request, DAS highlighted several priorities: continued funding for the state ERP system upgrade to the cloud, with about $5 million requested for sustainability and related Treasury functions; emergency fund and annex renovation work; a sprinkler replacement at DMV; and elevator repairs at the main building. Karen Rocky also identified maintenance projects that rose in priority after a facility condition assessment, including HVAC work for Portsmouth Circuit Court and Coos County Courthouse, boilers and controls for Carroll County and Lebanon Circuit Court, brick repointing at the main building and annex, window replacement at Spalding, and Brown building elevator replacement. Officials noted that the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and no projects for the Bureau of Court Facilities. The committee also discussed lapses and reprogramming of prior appropriations. DAS said the first eight projects approved in 2023 remain under construction and should be extended, while many 2021 projects are delayed because of ARPA-related workload and broader construction backlogs. Members reviewed a 2019 project list and agreed to lapse project number 49, the Spalding roof project, with about $81,000 remaining. DAS also said some small 2019 balances, including courthouse generators, a boiler, cooling and controls, roof and exterior repairs, and the State House Annex elevator, could be redirected through Capital Budget Overview toward the Hillsboro County South Cell Block project. The hearing ended with questions about project schedules, ARPA deadlines, and the division of authority between DoIT and DAS for the ERP system.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand Senator Johnson's concern that if you limit it too much, you're going to run the cost up
• And the vote they get is who gets what of the limited capacity we have.
• And the vote they get is who gets what of the limited capacity we have.
• We've got member companies who are really trying to limit remote access from all vendors.
• An energy storage resource has dispatchability, but it has duration limitations.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our educators consistently report that the test data results have become of limited use due to three
• Their educators consistently report that the test data results have become of limited use due to three
• Therefore, it is imperative that they direct their limited resources toward initiatives that yield maximum
• c><01:05:14.920><c> MCAS</c><01:05:15.920><c> from</c><01:05:16.119><c> the</c><01:05:16.319><c> aggregate
• </c> assessment the MCAS from the aggregate assessment the MCAS from the aggregate score<01:05:17.400

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunities, such as those with limited English language skills.
• opportunities, such as those with limited English language skills.
• remove references to obsolete accounts and programs, update outdated terms, remove TIB's remaining bond
• There is a proposed substitute. ...remove TIB's remaining bond authority and repeal obsolete sections
• This just cleans up a little bit of the language that was concerning around the bond authority, and so

Summary: The Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2307 would update the commute trip reduction program by removing the current 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. arrival-time requirement from key definitions, so more employers and shift workers could qualify for CTR benefits. The bill sponsor and several supporters, including Microsoft, transit and transportation nonprofits, local transportation management groups, and city representatives, said the change would modernize the program, improve equity, reduce congestion, and help workers with transportation costs. No one testified in opposition. HB 2374 would distinguish electric-assisted bicycles from higher-powered electric motorcycles, clarify labeling and equipment rules, and direct DOL to convene a work group on enforcement and consumer protection. The sponsor and many supporters, including cities, trail and park organizations, Washington Bikes, and several students, said the bill would address unsafe high-powered vehicles being marketed as e-bikes, especially those used by younger riders, while preserving access to true e-bikes. Some testifiers asked for additional work group members and suggested civil enforcement options for underage riders. HB 2379 would require WSDOT to suspend tolling on facilities that serve as evacuation routes during emergencies such as wildfires or levee breaches. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by constituents facing evacuation while tolls were still being charged; staff noted the fiscal impact would be indeterminate and could reduce toll revenue during suspensions. After the hearings, the committee took executive action on two bills. It adopted proposed substitute H-2771 for HB 1823, which cleans up Transportation Improvement Board provisions and removes obsolete language while retaining remaining bond authority. It also passed HB 2111, which directs interest earned from toll revenues for the Interstate Bridge project to be credited to that project. Both actions were approved by voice vote, 27-0, with two members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:39.239><c> employment</c> to the state a law to limit employment to the state a law to limit
• </c><00:52:53.160><c> the</c> to fund important work in limiting the to fund important work in limiting
• </c><01:14:11.840><c> that</c> so uh in this ensures that limit that so uh in this ensures that limit
• Also, a net worth limit is being proposed to ensure the limited revolving fund gets to the Minnesota
• Then we have a maximum annual payment rate of $15,750. limit of 150 acres for the program uh we limit

Bills: HF2446 , HF2878 , HF2667 , HF1795 , HF2683 , HF2916

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

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:

• aware that instruction and general facilities are currently funded through our general obligation bond
• and our severance tax bond package, but our university certainly has struggled in terms of how we can
• So, reduced student populations limit higher education institutions' ability to raise funding.
• Section E talks about affording the match with institutional reserves, institutional bonds in accordance
• with the Institution Bond Act, property tax levies, federal or tribal support.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, still stick to the point, but I'm not going to be quite as fierce about our time limits
• So, you know, still stick to the point, but I'm not going to be quite as fierce about our time limits
• Um so with that our time limits today.
• </c> part of the investigation and limitation part of the investigation and limitation of<01:11:51.600
• </c> statutory grounding, and limited statutory grounding, and limited transparency<01:44:22.560><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly, um, is it even necessary to have a 2% or 5% limit?
• What kind of bond rating do you think we would get in that situation?
• </c> treasur to maintain their their bond treasur to maintain their their bond rating<03:47:33.239><c
• Limited to fixed-income mutual funds? Why aren't we including stocks?
• to</c><04:06:15.000><c> a</c> has mutual funds but it's limited to a has mutual funds but it's limited

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first dealt with a brew pub license bill and corrected some sponsor/subcommittee roster confusion before voting to pass it without discussion. The main item of debate was a bill allowing patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restrooms. The bill sponsor argued the current ban is outdated, rarely enforced, and can leave patrons vulnerable if they set drinks down and leave them unattended; he said establishments could still post their own rules if they wished. Liquor enforcement officials said they were neutral overall, noting both the risk of drinks being left unattended and the practical concerns of underage drinking, over-service, and restroom monitoring. Testimony split between those who saw the law as a non-issue and those who viewed it as a safety measure. One member said he had never seen anyone take alcohol into a restroom and opposed changing the law, while others cited drink-spiking concerns and suggested alternatives such as safe zones behind bars, drink covers, and alert apps. Industry representatives said many operators would prefer to keep the law as-is because it helps with policing drinking in their establishments, though they acknowledged the motivation behind the bill. Several members also raised drafting concerns, saying the wording was confusing about whether the rule applied to patrons or establishments. The committee ultimately voted 5-2 to recommend the bill ought to pass. Afterward, members discussed amending the language to clarify that establishments could still prohibit the practice, but one member suggested a simpler fix would be to strike the word “restroom” from the prohibition entirely. The committee then unanimously voted to reconsider its action so the language could be revised later, and the amendment discussion was left for a future meeting.