Transcript Highlights:

• the Office of Broadband who's come into the picture saying if they wish to come and actually have locked
• put the burden back on the school district and ultimately the state to say we have been mandated to lock
• through the various devices, and this is already, I realize, in long, but how many of us are wearing a smart
• Are we going to have every kid put their smart watch into the little bag when they come in also?
• There are now, as many are aware, the smart glasses and various other things.

Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies prohibiting student use of wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for medical needs, assistive technology, emergencies, and educator-approved instructional use. The sponsors and PED/Broadband officials said the bill builds on last year’s law, responds to classroom distraction and cyberbullying concerns, and pairs the mandate with access to the Education Technology Infrastructure Fund for implementation support. Supporters included NEA-NM, AFT-NM, Teach Plus, New Mexico Kids Can, higher education, ECED, and others, who said the bill would improve focus, classroom culture, and student readiness. Some members questioned the three-year phase-in, local control over consequences, effects on recess/lunch and after-school programs, charter and virtual school enforcement, and whether statewide mandates were necessary; the committee ultimately advanced the bill on a 6-3 vote, with Senators Pope and Soules voting no. The committee then heard Senate Bill 73, which would add a requirement that driver education include instruction on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and others outside vehicles. The sponsor and supporters from APS, NEA-NM, AFT-NM, PED, Albuquerque city officials, cycling and pedestrian advocates, and individuals affected by traffic violence said New Mexico’s high pedestrian and bicyclist fatality rates make the training necessary and that better education could improve safety and awareness. Some testimony connected the bill to broader public health, climate, and Vision Zero efforts, while several speakers shared personal stories of crashes and losses. Committee members asked about the three-hour requirement, whether it would apply to existing drivers, how it would be implemented by DOT and MVD, and whether the bill should also address training for vulnerable road users themselves; concerns were also raised about rural road conditions and the limited behind-the-wheel training currently required. The committee passed SB 73 on a 6-3 vote, with Senator Thornton voting no. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 234, an appropriation of $1.2 million to Albuquerque Public Schools for transportation of students in foster care. The sponsor and an expert witness, a former CYFD caseworker, described serious transportation failures after contracts were terminated, saying caseworkers were forced to drive children themselves and that missed or late rides disrupted schooling and overburdened staff. APS, New Mexico Child First Network, and CYFD all supported the bill, saying it would clarify responsibility, relieve caseworkers, and ensure continuity of transportation for foster youth. Committee questions focused on why the appropriation was limited to APS rather than other districts with transportation shortfalls, whether $1.2 million would be enough, who would provide the rides, and what safety/background-check standards would apply if contractors were used. The bill was still under discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Haroldson, Harshman, Hiner, Heft, Jarvis, Johnson, Kelly, Nap, Larson, Lloyd, Larson, JT, Lley, Lean, Lock
• Lean, Lean, Lean, Locke, Lucas, Locke, Lucas, McCann, Nicholas, Ottman, McCann, Nicholas, Ottman, Pendergraft
• ,<00:39:41.280><c> Lucas,</c><00:39:42.720><c> McCann,</c> Lock, Lucas, McCann, Lock, Lucas, McCann,
• It's about being smart.
• So let's be smart about this, eye on the future. If you look at this agency, it has not changed.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This very smart amendment...
• It's a smart amendment, Mr.
• This very smart amendment, insufficient amount of housing available for his constituents.
• This very smart amendment allows that the Division of Capital Asset and Management and Maintenance is
• It's a smart amendment, Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up a higher education capital bond bill, House 4769, and considered a long series of amendments focused largely on campus facilities, housing, and related policy issues. Many amendments were adopted, including funding or project language for MassBay Community College HVAC and window replacement, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College nursing/allied health expansion and housing-related land use, Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College, Middlesex Community College, Salem State’s Sullivan Building, Roxbury Community College’s Center for Economic and Social Justice, UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and several Massachusetts State College Building Authority updates. Some amendments were rejected, including proposals on a sustainable hand hygiene incentive program, unlocking housing on surplus land, a Senator Bill Owen Center designation, Urban College of Boston, and a board membership change. A number of amendments were held or withdrawn during the process. A major debate centered on an amendment by Senator Tarr to dedicate $300 million of surtax revenue to K-12 education, framed as a response to Chapter 70 funding concerns and the need to modernize school aid. Supporters argued that local districts face rising costs and that the state should set aside fair share revenue for school funding and future school building investments. Opponents said the bill was the wrong vehicle and noted the Commonwealth already dedicates substantial surtax revenue to K-12 programs. The amendment was defeated by roll call. Tarr also offered amendments on a safety valve for surtax revenue declines, equity analysis of surtax allocations, bond covenant requirements, and Chapter 62F taxpayer protections; those were not adopted. The Senate also adopted a separate amendment on AP credit policies at public higher education institutions, though the transcript reflects some procedural confusion around that vote. After completing amendments, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed by a recorded vote of 38-0. Senators then adopted several extension orders giving committees additional time to report on pending bills, including Environment and Natural Resources and Municipalities and Regional Government. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. The session concluded with a unanimous memorial adjournment in honor of Bolton Police Chief Luke Hamburger, followed by a brief statement recognizing Rare Disease Day and the challenges faced by patients seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This very smart amendment Insufficient amount of housing available for his constituents.
• This very smart amendment allows that the Division of Capital Asset and Management and Maintenance is
• It's a smart amendment, Mr.
• This very smart amendment, insufficient amount of housing available for his constituents.
• It's a smart amendment, Mr.

Summary: The Senate considered and amended House 4769, a major higher education bond bill titled an act to build resilient infrastructure to generate higher education transformation (the BRIGHT Act). Members adopted a series of amendments funding deferred maintenance and capital projects at public colleges and universities, including MassBay Community College (HVAC and window replacement), Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Worcester State University, Quinsigamond Community College, Roxbury Community College, UMass Boston, Middlesex Community College, Salem State University, Berkshire Community College, and MCLA. Several amendments were rejected, including proposals related to a sustainable hand hygiene program, board membership, and some other institutional or policy changes, while a number of amendments were held or withdrawn. The bill ultimately advanced through third reading and was passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call, with senators emphasizing the need to address deferred maintenance and modernize higher education facilities statewide. A major floor debate centered on an amendment by Senator Tarr to dedicate $300 million of Fair Share surtax revenue to K-12 education. Supporters argued that many school districts face rising costs, minimum aid, and an outdated Chapter 70 formula, and that the amendment would create a marker for future reform. Opponents said the Commonwealth already dedicates substantial surtax and other funding to K-12 education and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After a roll call, the amendment was rejected. The Senate also rejected several Tarr amendments on fiscal safeguards, equity analysis, bond covenant requirements, and Chapter 62F taxpayer protections, while adopting others related to UMass Gloucester Marine Station housing and coastal erosion work, and to modernizing Massachusetts State College Building Authority bonding and office-location rules. The chamber also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Bolton Police Chief Luke Hamburger, who was remembered for his service, leadership, and community ties. Before adjournment, senators took brief statements on other issues, including a call for greater awareness of rare diseases and the need for improved access to diagnosis and treatment. The Senate also approved extension orders giving committees additional time to report on pending environmental and municipal bills, and it set its next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Wyoming um when they are being locked Wyoming um when they are being locked out<00:33:19.279><c>
• </c><00:41:18.240><c> Further</c> Lock I to no. Larson JT no to I. Further Lock I to no.
• Larson, JT, Lolly, Lean, Lock, Lucas, Larson, JT, Lolly, Lean, Lock, Lucas, McCann,<00:57:36.480><c>
• , Lock, Lock, Lucas,<02:36:29.920><c> McCann,</c> Lucas, McCann, Lucas, McCann, Nicholas,<02:36:32.800
• </c><02:57:47.600><c> Lock.</c> Store. I to no further changes. Lock. Store.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have kids, lock it up. ...with proper packaging. If you have kids, lock it up.
• Everybody's already locked in on sizing and packaging now, you know, so I just think, what do you guys
• , that'll, that'll create some issues, you know, from a processor standpoint, everybody's already locked
• discussed as a business person, what does that look like for the industry and how we roll that out if you lock
• You know, I'm probably the least smart person in this room. I don't know. You got me. Yeah.

Summary: The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority advisory council met for its first public comment session, approved the November 21, 2025 minutes, and heard extensive comments from patients, industry members, and advocates. Public testimony focused on concerns about proposed legislative changes, including potency limits, tax increases, grow-license caps, reclamation bonds, hemp-derived cannabinoids, and bills affecting employee credentialing and edible definitions. Commenters also raised transparency concerns about the council’s composition, OMMA’s “secret shopper” program, access to records, and the need for more patient, processor, lab, and small-business representation. OMMA leadership gave agency updates, reporting that the medical portal had improved after earlier problems and that turnaround times were now about 36 days for commercial renewals, same day for credentials and transport agents, and eight days for patients. The agency also said it had added an administrative actions tab to its website, was moving forward with QA lab accreditation, and was working more closely with law enforcement on hemp-derived cannabinoid enforcement. The new Chief Science Officer reported accreditation progress for the QA lab, completion of several validation processes, 12 lab cases filed for 2024-2025 inspections, and one lab license revoked for noncompliance. Legislative staff reviewed bills moving through the session, including measures extending a moratorium, capping commercial grow licenses at 2,550, repealing the grow bond and adding a reclamation fee, and limiting THC in certain products, though one THC-cap bill had been amended into an advertising bill. Council discussion centered on proposed 10 mg per serving and 100 mg per package limits, with members arguing those limits could harm patients who need individualized dosing and create business disruptions. Members also discussed the need for better scientific testing methods, more timely inspection reports, and clearer guidance on license transfers. A major portion of the meeting addressed coordination between OMMA and OBNDD on enforcement against illegal or “gas station” cannabis products and bad actors. OBNDD explained its role in criminal enforcement, the use of search warrants and emergency suspensions, and how OMMA license revocations automatically affect OBN registrations. OMMA said it is now receiving more regular information from OBNDD and using that data to shut down licenses more quickly. The council also discussed whether public-facing license information should be redacted for safety, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• in these prisons, to go a year with no fights, inmates would even joke that they don't even have to lock
• Now, we've got Florida State Prison and Santa Rosa and other facilities where they're locked down all
• Now, we've got Florida State Prison and Santa Rosa and other facilities where they're locked down all
• Now, we've got Florida State Prison and Santa Rosa and other facilities where they're locked down all
• tell them, if you used all that brilliance for good instead of, you know, because that was a pretty smart

Summary: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee met with Vice Chair Smith presiding in Chair Martin’s excused absence. After opening remarks from several senators, the committee heard a presentation from Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon on the state’s incentivized prisons program and related population-management efforts. Dixon said the department now operates eight incentivized prisons, which use enhanced privileges and programming for well-behaved inmates, and reported major reductions in disciplinary reports, staff assaults, inmate-on-inmate assaults, and uses of force compared with average institutions. He also described administrative management units for more disruptive inmates, short-sentence correctional institutions for those with less than a year to serve, and a reentry strategy that places inmates closer to home within 18 months of release. Dixon said Florida’s recidivism rate has fallen to about 21 percent, among the lowest in the nation, and emphasized that staffing, programming, and facility repairs remain ongoing needs. Committee members asked about access to education and workforce training, staffing levels, contraband, technology upgrades, heating and air-conditioning maintenance, and whether incentivized prisons could be expanded. Dixon said educational access is improving but remains limited by eligibility and staffing, that the incentivized facilities are at capacity, and that expansion depends on adding more administrative management unit beds. He also said the department is increasing use of technology, improving maintenance oversight, and continuing efforts to reduce contraband and improve staff recruitment and retention. Several senators praised the department’s work and urged more funding for prison infrastructure and officer pay. Public testimony largely supported the incentivized prisons model while calling for more seats, better staffing, and broader reforms. Family members of incarcerated people said the facilities were safer, more stable, and better for rehabilitation, though they asked for more programming, better treatment by staff, and clearer access to education and release-related opportunities. A Florida PBA representative emphasized that programs can only succeed with safe staffing levels and better pay and retention for correctional officers. No formal committee vote or bill action was taken, and the meeting ended after public testimony and closing remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's smart, and she knows what she's doing, and a great pick for leadership here in New Mexico.
• And when she found out she was having Lorenzo, she said, 'I got to lock in,' and she locked in with her

Summary: The committee first heard the nomination of Anna Silva to lead the General Services Department. Supporters, including the sponsor, former GSD officials, family members, the lieutenant governor, and other senators, praised her long career in GSD, her procurement and facilities management experience, and her work on e-procurement, veteran home construction, and other projects. Silva said her priorities would include stabilizing risk management positions for the transition to the next administration, ensuring continuity on construction projects, and protecting the department’s budget and operations. After questions and comments, the committee voted 7-0 to advance her nomination to full Senate confirmation. The committee then took up House Bill 96, which would create a working group to study establishing a New Mexico Space Commission to support the commercial space industry. The sponsor and witnesses argued the state already has strong space infrastructure and should remain competitive with other states. Senators expressed support, and a friendly amendment was adopted to add a Senate pro tem appointee to the working group. The amended bill received a due-pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered House Joint Resolution 5A, which would ask voters whether legislators should be paid based on median household income. The resolution received a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Joint Memorial 3, which asks the Environment Department and Environmental Improvement Board to review the PFAS law passed the previous year in light of changing federal rules. The American Chemistry Council opposed the memorial, arguing it misstated aspects of the law and could complicate rulemaking, while the sponsor and Environment Department said the memorial was intended to help assess whether changes are needed. The memorial received a subcommittee due-pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, industries lock up competition and they jack up prices for everything from...
• As a result, industries lock up competition.
• I get what you're saying, but I'm not smart enough to necessarily, like these gas station owners.
• I get what you're saying, but I'm not smart enough to necessarily, like these gas station owners.
• I have such a smart committee. There's so many questions, comments. It's impressive.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members. The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open. Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Kale of Lynn, Day of Stoneham, Kusmeric of Fitchburg, Rogers of Norwood, and Ryan of Boston are locked
• The Mass Ready Act targets investments in climate-smart agriculture and local food projects.
• So it's both reasonable and a smart proposition... ...Let me say why this is the right thing to do.
• So it's both reasonable and a smart proposition to employ the general obligations of the Commonwealth

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed several student and community guests, including ambassadors from Robinson Middle School in Lowell, visitors honoring the Gaudet family and Patricia Rappucci, Scottish visitors celebrating Scotland’s World Cup appearance, Top-Notch Scholars students from Lawrence, and the King Philip Regional High School baseball team after its first state championship. The chamber also adopted several routine resolutions and orders, including extending the reporting deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a condominium-related petition. The House then rejected concurrence with the Senate on the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and instead voted to appoint a committee of conference. The major policy action was on Senate Bill 3064, the Mass Ready Act, a large climate resilience and environmental bond bill. Members speaking in support emphasized flood protection, clean water, PFAS remediation, municipal vulnerability preparedness, coastal resilience, parks, trails, housing, and agricultural and food-system investments. The bill was described as authorizing roughly $3.8 billion in general obligation bonds, with discussion of specific funding for the Clean Water Trust, PFAS remediation, coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, healthy homes, and farmland preservation. A consolidated amendment was adopted, and after debate the House passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote. The House also took up the conference report on H. 5511, the early literacy and teacher preparation bill. Supporters said the measure would require evidence-based reading instruction, move away from three-cueing approaches, support educator training and apprenticeships, and improve student literacy outcomes statewide. The conference report was accepted on a roll call vote of 152-0. Later, the House considered amendments to the Mass Ready Act, including one proposal to increase PFAS remediation funding that was ultimately withdrawn, and adopted another consolidated amendment before passing the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-0. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned to an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Kale of Lynn, Day of Stoneham, Kusmeric of Fitchburg, Rogers of Norwood, and Ryan of Boston are locked
• The Mass Ready Act targets investments in climate-smart agriculture and local food projects.
• So it's both reasonable and a smart proposition From the Berkshires to the Cape.
• So it's both reasonable and a smart proposition to employ the general obligations of the Commonwealth

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed student ambassadors from Robinson Middle School in Lowell, and adopted several resolutions honoring the Gaudet family and Patricia Rappucci. Members also agreed to extend the reporting deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee on House No. 5505 and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send a condominium-related petition to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. The chamber then dealt with Senate No. 2619, the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act. The House did not concur with the Senate’s position and instead appointed a committee of conference. It also took up Senate No. 3064, the major climate and infrastructure bond bill known as the Mass Ready Act, which Ways and Means reported with a House amendment. After debate emphasizing resilience, clean water, PFAS remediation, coastal protection, agriculture, and municipal preparedness, the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, the House considered and overwhelmingly approved a conference report on H. 5511, the early literacy and teacher preparation bill. Supporters said it would require evidence-based reading instruction, restrict three-cueing methods, expand educator training, and support paid teaching apprenticeships. The report was accepted 152-0. The House then returned to S. 3064, adopted a consolidated amendment, and passed the bill to be engrossed by a vote of 151-0, before adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, Andreas Trujillo from the Smart Transportation Division is a proposed Opponent.
• Andreas Trujillo from Smart Transportation Division wishes to appear. You are recognized, sir. Mr.
• Trujillo, Smart Transportation Division Director in the state.
• Sorry, I was locked up welcoming my co-prime sponsor, Representative Connerly, up here.

Transcript Highlights:

• That gets locked and sealed and goes into a vault, and then the ballot board does nothing but look at
• So, it actually comes in the mail, gets scanned, and then gets locked in the vault right after that.
• But this would tie into that imaging system to where the Ensuring that the ballot is staying locked and
• And those ballots are actually sealed away in a locked room.
• Smart guy. Really smart. So, but you know what I'm saying.

Bills: HB569, HB766, HB1638, HB2316, HB2773, HB2785, HB3113, HB3709, HB3775, HB4275

Keywords: early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, HB 766, precinct chair, precinct chair candidate, ballot application, Texas Election Code, Section 172.021, election administration, candidate filing, party precinct chair, county party, political party office, email address, telephone number, confidential candidate information

Transcript Highlights:

• The important thing is that it would, you know, right now these projects are being locked in with an
• The important thing is that it would, you know, right now these projects are being locked in with an
• The important thing is that it would, you know, right now these projects are being locked in with an
• The important thing is that it would, you know, right now these projects are being locked in with an
• The important thing is that it would, you know, right now these projects are being locked in with an

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this isn't just retrofitting locks and dams. And in some cases, they do work.
• The question is, Representative, were you smart enough to sell at 8, or did you think it was going to
• So if I was a senator, I'd have been smart enough to have done that, you know.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2998, adopting a House committee substitute and then voting the substitute do pass by a roll call of 21 ayes and 0 noes. Members discussed the bill as a multi-year study related to the Upper Mississippi River Basin and rural development, with the substitute narrowing the bill and extending the date to December 1, 2029. Supporters described it as a worthwhile investment tied to river-related development and potential power generation, while one member raised concerns about the cost in the current budget climate. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913, which would extend for five years several agricultural tax credit programs, including the MAZBIDA program, rolling stock, meat processing, biodiesel, higher ethanol blends, specialty crops, new generation cooperatives, and short-line railroad incentives. Senator Curtis Gregory said the bill was intended to provide certainty and continue successful programs, and several witnesses from agricultural, railroad, banking, and business groups testified in support, emphasizing return on investment, rural economic development, infrastructure needs, and competitiveness. Some members questioned specific provisions, especially the rolling stock credit and how unused credits carry forward or affect local tax revenues. Opposition testimony argued that Missouri’s tax credit system is too large, costly, and insufficiently audited, and that the state could not afford the projected fiscal impact. Supporters countered that the credits have produced strong returns, helped rural communities and ag-related investment, and that the rolling stock provision simply backfills local governments for lost revenue rather than creating double payment. The hearing concluded after extensive testimony, and the committee adjourned without taking final action on SB 913 in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this isn't just retrofitting locks and dams. And in some cases, they do work.
• The question is, Representative, were you smart enough to sell it at eight, or did you think it was going
• So if I was a senator, I'd have been smart enough to have done that, you know, but well, you know, I

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2998, adopting a committee substitute that narrowed the bill to a study of the Upper Mississippi River Basin and the Rural Development Office and extended the deadline to December 1, 2029. Members discussed the bill’s roughly $3 million fiscal note and whether the proposed river-related study and power-generation concept would be a worthwhile investment. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the committee substitute for HB 2998 do pass by a 21-0 roll call. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913, which would extend several agricultural tax credit programs for five years, including the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Tax Credit (Mazbita), rolling stock credits, meat processing incentives, biodiesel-related credits, specialty crop credits, and a new short-line railroad credit. Senator Curtis Gregory said the bill was intended to provide certainty and support rural infrastructure, agricultural processing, and rail access, and witnesses from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers, Missouri Chamber, short-line railroads, Missouri AgriBusiness Association, Missouri Dairy, Missouri Bankers Association, Missouri Railroad Association, and Missouri Pork Association testified in support. Opposition came from a public advocate who argued Missouri’s tax credit system is too large, lacks adequate auditing, and could cost tens of millions of dollars while adding state administrative costs. Committee members raised questions about the fiscal note, the carryforward of unused credits, and whether the rolling stock credit backfills local property tax revenue; supporters responded that the credit makes local governments whole and that the programs have strong returns on investment and help preserve agricultural and rail infrastructure. No final vote on SB 913 was taken in the transcript, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even if kids are locked up, we need to be...
• We're smart on crime, but ignoring neuroscience, redemption, and rehabilitation, I just don't think that's
• smart.

Bills: HB1967, HB3442, HB5525, HB5561, HB5653, HB5667, SB1171

Keywords: juvenile justice, correctional facilities, reform, rehabilitation, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, alcohol awareness, court-ordered programs, substance misuse education, deferred disposition, youth, parole reform, inmates under 18, mental health, educational achievement, reintegration, foster youth, behavior intervention, community services, diversion policies, HB 5653

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that phones are different than smart devices.
• I think communication devices differ from smart devices.
• Would I ban smart devices altogether? Yes, ma'am. For children.
• It's happy, it's happy stuff, but I do think it's smart. You know, it's not soft, it's also smart.
• Meanwhile, the classroom was cleared, hallways were locked down.

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB 123, HB210, HB213, HB222, HB610, HB 1085, HB1481, HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, financial literacy, high school education, curriculum requirements, economics, personal finance, HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I am smart my medical records.
• Okay, once users are locked in to something like requested services.
• So, a really they've locked us into it.
• Once the advertisers are locked in, and we're locked in with them together, the platform will shift,
• Once the advertisers are locked in, and we're locked in with them together, the platform will shift,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Trey Carlock was a talented, smart, and handsome young man from Dallas who took his own life at the age
• Please hear me the heartbeat of this bill is to set captives free Trey car lock is the person for whom
• have distributed renewable generation, those are rooftop solar owners, the statute... says we are locked
• want these opportunities, these options to look at different compensation rates that we don't get locked

Bills: HB10, HB 12, HB147, HB1522, HB422, HB675, HB204, HB748, HB912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel