Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that was Texas, if I’m recalling correctly.
• I did my schooling in the state of Texas when I was in Texas, and Texas is not a state that is allowed
• in the state of Texas when I was<05:28:47.280> in<05:28:47.480> Texas<05:28:48.200>
• c> is<05:28:49.480> not<05:28:49.638> a was in Texas um and still Texas is not a was
• in Texas um and still Texas is not a state<05:28:50.000> that<05:28:50.080> is<05:28:50.240

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• aren't building their houses right on the property line.
• aren't building their houses right on the property line.
• Nobody had houses on their property lines, and if a tree fell on your property, that was free wood.
• If your perfectly healthy, sane dog bites somebody, whether it's on your property or someone else's property
• That property was undeveloped. Undeveloped property is not slum or blight.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• requires owners or operators of property requires owners or operators of property where<00:35:10.400
• this bill is modeled after Texas this bill is modeled after Texas legislation<00:59:52.160> where
• Authorizes ADC to acquire by condemnation any real property or interest in real property under certain
• property or interest in real property property or interest in real property under<01:23:44.400><
• ><01:23:48.159> the real property acquired by the real property acquired by the corporation<01

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so while the entire property.
• homeowners may save on the property homeowners may save on the property side,<00:17:27.760> they're
• Mortgages deal with real property, so we'll give the banks 20 years to foreclose."
• Mortgages deal with real property, so we'll give the banks 20 years to foreclose."
• Mortgages deal with real real property.

Bills: HB20, HB2612, HB2404, HB2459, HB2194, HB1880, HB2284, HB1969, HB2458, HB1546, HB2161, HB1721, HB1641, HB2137, HB1782, HB2360, HB1965, HB1897, HB1513

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, mortgage, debt, secured transactions, real property, Hawaii Revised Statutes, cooperative associations, electric utility cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, mutual help, food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a contractor, I can tell you, you cannot redo historic buildings with the current energy code,
• Americans with Disability Act, and the new building code.
• , buildings with the current energy code, buildings with the current energy code, Americans<00:23
• <00:23:21.760> It<00:23:22.000> just<00:23:22.320> it's new building code.
• It just it's new building code. It just it's mathematically<00:23:23.520> impossible.

Bills: SB62, HB361, HB244, HB377, HB411, HB422, HB423, HB425, SB16, HB452, HB354

Keywords: SB62, Alabama, conservation and natural resources, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife heritage license, license identification, government-issued ID, residency determination, in-state residency, student residency, tuition classification, public higher education, domicile, resident status, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, Section 9-11-32, Section 9-11-33, Section 16-64-3

Transcript Highlights:

• In section 1, you will see a code of ethics for the legislative branch, and that's in Article 2.
• In Article 2, the first section deals with the code of ethics for the legislature.
• It's why New York, California, Florida, and Texas have hundreds of people, while South Dakota only has

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• In Section 1, you will see a code of ethics for the legislative branch. That's in Article 2.
• In Article 2, the first section deals with the code of ethics for the legislature.
• the Insulin Repayment Account, and it's an annual transfer from the Health Access Account. with the code
• of ethics for the with the code of ethics for the legislature. legislature. legislature.
• It's why New York, California, Florida, Texas have hundreds of people while South Dakota only has a handful

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen what happens with a polar vortex down in Texas when we had people freeze to death when it
• when uh we had people freeze to Texas when uh we had people freeze to death<00:36:48.839> uh<
• <01:15:46.480> of well commission also has a code of well commission also has a code of conduct
• insurance and it's increase in property insurance and it's largely<01:41:43.239> driven<01:41
• damage insurance is going property damage insurance is going through<01:42:10.480> the<01:42:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thomas Gleason, Chairman of Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Say that three times fast, um, specific to Texas.
• So ERCO was created by the Texas legislature in 1999.
• So the ERCO grid or the Texas grid is, uh, 90% of the, uh, Texas electric load.
• We have 10 number of new jobs in Texas, new businesses in Texas, new houses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lauren Gamble. representing the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Public Health Coalition, the Texas
• Whole Blood Task Force, the Texas chapter of the National Association of EMS Physicians, and the Texas
• There is a novel rotation program in the South Texas area.
• I'm here on behalf of the American Lung Association as well as the Texas Tobacco Control Code.
• I live in the tiny. town of Edgewood, Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can grow property taxes in the area, and they can create thousands of union construction jobs.
• And by growing property taxes, of course, I mean revenue for the local county units.
• And by growing property taxes, of course, I mean revenue for the local county units.
• And then the second one is X-energy, and they have partnered with Dow in Texas to build their pilots.
• <01:15:55.920> to<01:15:56.480> build have partnered with d in Texas to build have

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair now recognizes the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Fallon, for five minutes.
• For what purpose does the gentlewoman from Texas seek recognition? >> Mr.
• Jackson of Texas. >> Gentleman from Texas is recognized. >> Thank you, Mr.
• <04:32:16.800> 13th which are assembled in Texas 13th which are assembled in Texas 13th Congressional
• Fallon<04:59:50.400> of<04:59:50.638> Texas. Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Between legislation this session that will provide income and property tax relief promised to veterans
• request that the Legislature meet the commitment set forth in the California Military and Veterans Code
• legislative priorities are addressing the issue of for-profit claims companies and representatives, property
• No, these are just general examples, like the Texas Tribune investigation reported the VA claims insider
• Was he entitled to the property tax exemption that we're trying, with your work, trying to get increased

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill created the Texas State Buildings Preservation.
• The Capital Fund and the Texas State History Museum Fund.
• Thank you. be talking about the Texas Veterans Commission.
• Goal B allows the Texas the TBC's Fund for Veteran Assistance.
• As you may know, Texas now have a Trauma Recovery Center.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas and other states did this. ...million to veterans programs.
• “You had mentioned Texas. Yes, sir.
• I've used them in Texas. I drive one almost every day, the causeway.
• I've used them in Texas. I drive one almost every day, the causeway.
• Texas did one for gold, silver, and digital assets.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 27 and first took up House Bill 175 and its companion House Bill 165, both dealing with lottery proceeds for veterans. HB 175 was amended to create a Veterans Service Grant Board within the Department of Veterans Affairs and direct $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds into a Veterans Service Grant Fund, with unused money returned to the lottery proceeds fund that supports the MFP. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, The Boot Louisiana, LDVA Secretary Charlton McGinley, and Bastion Veterans Organization, argued the grants would help veteran services, workforce placement, mental health, housing, entrepreneurship, and retention of veterans in Louisiana. Members raised concerns about drawing from lottery proceeds that traditionally support education, but the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 175 favorably as amended. HB 165, the constitutional amendment companion, was also amended for technical and ballot-language changes and then reported favorably as amended for voter consideration. The committee then considered House Bill 457, which would authorize the Louisiana Department of Health and the State Fire Marshal to set minimum housing standards for homeless shelters, group homes, and halfway homes. The sponsor said the bill responded to a state auditor recommendation and to unsafe conditions in some facilities; he also explained an amendment changing the Fire Marshal’s duties from mandatory to permissive to reduce fiscal impact and allow agencies flexibility. Some members questioned whether local standards already existed and how enforcement and funding would work, while others supported the need for statewide minimum standards for human housing. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 457 favorably as amended. House Bill 488, by Representative Brough, sought to create a Belle Chasse Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund using recurring severance tax revenues from Plaquemines Parish to help buy out the Belle Chasse toll bridge and end what the sponsor described as excessive tolls and fees. He and several local witnesses, including business owners, a YMCA representative, and a parish council member, testified that the tolling arrangement had harmed access, businesses, and quality of life. The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying the revenue source and then reported HB 488 favorably as amended. House Bill 566, which would prohibit state funds from supporting net-zero greenhouse gas initiatives tied to the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, drew significant debate over whether it would interfere with agency funding and economic development efforts; the sponsor argued the plan lacked legislative approval and should be repudiated, while members urged caution and suggested hearing from affected agencies. The sponsor agreed to consider deferring the bill, and the committee did not advance it at that time. House Bill 603, a constitutional amendment authorizing investment of state funds in digital assets and precious metals, was discussed as a way to hedge inflation and preserve value; members asked about limits and safeguards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then began hearing House Bill 763, a transparency measure creating a public database for settlement agreements involving state agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• , soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with<00:06:22.720><
• from Texas, Mrs. Garcia. from Texas, Mrs. Garcia.
• Speaker, I Texas seek recognition? Mr.
• Together, they made North Texas better.
• Today we made North Texas better.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, all Texas licensed dentists may administer.
• And you are with the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, and yourself, and
• I'm representing myself, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association, which
• together represent more than 11,000 member dentists in Texas.
• Thank you for serving Texas. Yes, thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas has lower payouts.
• Texas and green at the bottom.
• Actually, this is Texas data.
• I have studied Texas very closely.
• When they did sell property, how...

Transcript Highlights:

• estimates are that we're talking about probably close to 200,000 students in the, in the state of Texas
• Jennifer Deakins on behalf of the Texas Optome Optometric Association and yourself testifying for the
• We are a Title One school and more than one third are considered at risk by the Texas Code of Education
• Laurie LaChance, uh, on behalf of the Texas School Nurses nurses Organization and yourself testifying
• And the size of, um, of Texas students, but 80% of learning for young people is visual.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Joseph continued: “The street, city, state, and ZIP code in that order, which is the way
• This process has united us across race, income, and zip codes, enabling us to address the issues that
• In 2006, voters demanded a $25,000 property tax exemption for low-income seniors.
• insurance... ...we face like housing and property insurance and one hurricane after another.
• For those of us that live in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, we understand just

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes. Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate. The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.