Transcript Highlights:

• And naturally, Resources Environmental Protection, the budget includes a shift of $1 billion from the
• It also makes various other changes to the Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control
• , and California Air Resources Board statutes.
• It probably would have been the resources.
• 1st and the future Title 24 Part 6 energy code.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are written in North Dakota Century Code.
• The larger cities have more resources, obviously.
• The larger cities have more resources, obviously.
• I have approximately 187 community resources.
• of Federal Regulations, Century Code, Administrative Code, billing and policy manuals, the Medicaid

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• municipalities do have the resources municipalities do have the resources that<04:24:56.560>
• resources that they have to do that. resources that they have to do that.
• And it's not about crime prevention as much as it is about natural resource degradation.
• <04:40:09.840> towns natural resources and um allowing towns natural resources and um allowing
• <05:15:15.600> or built against local zoning codes or built against local zoning codes or

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So wouldn't you agree with me that we just don't have the resources here for most agencies?
• Yeah, I think we have a resource, but that's what I thought. But maybe they didn't sign up.
• This is already law right now, of the education code.
• So there has to be a way to corral the overburdensome nature of it. I'm not sure there does.
• And if there's any resource, this area is somewhat in my lane.

Bills: HB867, HB1347, HB1801, HB1820, HB2197, HB2617, HB3110, HB3166, HB3330, HB4237, HB4342, HB4629, HB4933, HJR148

Keywords: criminal case dismissal, attorney discretion, law enforcement misconduct, judicial approval, evidence, judicial consent, transparency, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, elderly, retired, benefits, access, cost, criminal justice, case dismissal, prosecutorial discretion, law enforcement oversight, criminal procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• offenses that currently exist in the Penal Code.
• This is an unnecessary addition to our penal code.
• While Penal Code Section 459 does not require sex offender registration, Penal Code Section 290.006 gives
• I went to court whenever I had the resources to do so.
• I went to court whenever I had the resources to do so.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If it is criminal in nature, um, the federal government does have certain right of first refusal is the
• Failing in her job responsibilities and there's no other way to read a code neutrals report uh or the
• Um, the challenges that they do have is staffing and resources, and that's clear to us with the delays
• I mean, it does deal with courts, punitive damages, things of that nature, um, and dealing with that,
• That actually deals with the two acts, the, the Mental Health Development Disabilities Code, but also

Transcript Highlights:

• coded The amendment is coded uh<00:19:16.960> A2.
• The amendment is coded A1.
• amendment is coded A10. amendment is coded A10.
• The amendment is coded A13.
• The amendment is coded A22.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Senate File 4612, a state government bill affecting the Department of Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families, was taken up with a House language amendment adopted at the outset. The bill’s authors gave sharply different perspectives: one described it as a limited, reactive measure tied to federal Medicaid changes and said it fell short of needed health care improvements, while the other argued it would avoid large federal penalties, add Medicaid work requirements, save taxpayer money, and help certain rural and disability-related services. Members then debated several amendments. A technical House research amendment was offered, followed by a contested amendment on the all-payer claims database. Supporters of that change argued the bill expanded data access and could allow sensitive health data to be sold or used outside the United States, raising privacy and jurisdiction concerns; opponents said the data would remain deidentified, access would be limited to researchers, and the fee structure was a cost-recovery mechanism rather than a sale. The amendment to the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie, and the underlying amendment was not adopted. The committee also adopted an amendment updating mortuary science rules for natural organic reduction and another that would automatically enroll certain people into medical assistance if they did not choose a program themselves. A later amendment creating a therapeutic psilocybin pilot program for mental health and PTSD treatment drew strong bipartisan support, especially from members citing veteran suicide, trauma, and promising research; it was adopted after discussion. The transcript ended while discussion continued on how the program would be administered, including questions about using the Office of Cannabis Management rather than the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next two bills are honestly very similar in nature.
• at the state level and provide resources at the state level and provide resources to<00:53:09.040
• <00:57:12.520> when<00:57:12.799> students resources when students resources when students
• Districts on how to code attendance.
• I have to change all of these codes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> needed experts, resources, and needed experts, resources, and capacities.<00:08:55.360> and
• My last question is more of a specific nature and that is to the bill.
• and that uh to of a a specific nature and that uh to the<00:47:16.960> bill.
• So this code of of an exam station.
• <01:47:37.440> of made into the transit rider code of made into the transit rider code of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's similar statutes throughout the New Hampshire criminal code that establish venue.
• There's similar statutes throughout the New Hampshire criminal code that establish venue.
• There's similar statutes throughout the New Hampshire criminal code that establish venue.
• To me, violations, I think of the motor vehicle code.
• Violations, I think of the motor vehicle code.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You've probably heard of CPT codes, ICD-10, HCPCS codes.
• It included establishment of the procedure codes and diagnosis codes for all services, development of
• national standardized codes.
• codes for those types of programs.
• Well, we crosswalked our department codes to the Florida Medicaid codes.

Summary: The subcommittee heard two Department of Children and Families implementation updates on measures passed in prior sessions. First, DCF reviewed House Bill 633, which increased oversight of behavioral health managing entities through biennial independent audits, standardized claims-based reporting, and new monthly outcome dashboards. The department said it had awarded the inaugural audit to Ernst & Young, found no significant waste, fraud, or abuse, but identified process risks involving financial controls, claims validation, data access, and system access controls. DCF also described its transition to standardized behavioral health coding and said the new public dashboard of 11 measures is posted on its website, though members asked for easier access and for hard copies of the audit report. Members asked about how the department distinguishes Medicaid-covered services from department-funded services, how duplicate payment risks are being addressed, and whether the new reporting and audit requirements would improve oversight without disrupting services. DCF said it is the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured individuals, that some overlap with Medicaid is expected because Medicaid does not cover all behavioral health services, and that new claims edits and cross-checks are being built into the system. The department also said it had not found significant negative feedback from providers and that the new requirements are intended to improve transparency and accountability. DCF then updated the committee on Senate Bill 7012, covering human trafficking data collection, domestic violence center certification, limited background-screening exemptions, expanded recruitment for child welfare staff, subcontractor liability protections, a four-year treatment foster care pilot, case management efficiency recommendations, and a statewide study of residential bed capacity for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The department said several items are already complete or underway, including limited exemptions in the screening clearinghouse, while others are in procurement or rulemaking. It identified Circuits 4 and 12 as the treatment foster care pilot sites and said the pilot will launch in January 2026. Members questioned recruitment metrics, pilot timing, and report deadlines; the department said final reports are expected by January and that some dates were flexible because of procurement and implementation timelines. The meeting ended after the presentations and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They assist in finding resources and guide me through the necessary steps to achieve my goals.
• our rural communities as the resources our rural communities as the resources deplete<00:15:44.040
• Do you have access to those resources?
• payment rates different billing codes payment rates different billing codes and<00:49:15.400>
• In fact, I've provided specific resources to DHS regarding these best practices multiple times.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, save both time and resources for the tribe should they achieve this.
• So most of that is a local control issue handled locally based on resource or need. OK. Thank you.
• I can answer any questions, and I believe we do have a resource witness here as well.
• So that would be a natural, uh, place to start.
• I can help answer any questions, and I think we do have a resource witness here as well.

Bills: HB176, HB180

Keywords: tax, ad valorem, voter-approval, local government finance, property tax, repeal, tax rates, school finance, tax reduction, compressed tax rate, education, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2320 amends the Penal Code to...
• Under the Family Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, or any other order from a state that's related
• Senate Bill 1451 amends Section 32.24 of the Penal Code by increasing the criminal penalty for stealing
• This bill would repeal Section 1B of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• The use of the death penalty also diverts important financial resources that can be used to support law

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
• There's no better place than Florida to be a part of its natural resources.
• resources in Florida.
• And I think that I will serve the people of Florida and the natural resources well with the skill set
• Derelict vessels pose an ongoing risk to Florida's residents, visitors, and natural resources.

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes. The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is the nature of the change we would be making in the Code of Criminal Procedure and the reason
• Which is why I think we have Code of Criminal Procedure Article 313.
• But clearly this is something of grave nature, and it should be.
• But clearly this is something of grave nature, and it should be slowed down.
• Could remain extremely long, well past the natural life of a human.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing. Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• lived in that zip code.
• We just let it run its natural course.
• I'm the Deputy Secretary for Administration at Energy Minerals and Natural Resources, and it is my pleasure
• I believe that was co-drafted with Energy Minerals and Natural Resources and New Mexico Tech.
• It's not their resource. It's our resource. And we appreciate the investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We moved from codes in New Hampshire.
• And that's what fire code and building code demands be built.
• And that's what fire code and end.
• complies with safe fire code complies with safe fire code requirements<04:18:38.640> of<04
• So there is a discrepancy between our building code and fire code, and we have to fix that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4996 amends the Penal Code to increase the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a
• House Bill 4996 amends the Penal Code to increase the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a
• It is a bill that updates, clarifies, and improves the Estates Code, and I move suspension.
• We need to make certain that schools have the necessary resources for the school safety allotment.
• Texas is rich in resources. We're rich in industry. We're rich in diversity.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of similar nature are prohibited. Food and drink are prohibited in the hearing room.
• Making it into one and saying that this one entity is not going to have to hire any additional resources
• They're interested in what resources are going to be available to divert people, to manage my department
• CSCDs remain under the judicial branch in the government code, and judges still hold responsibility for
• There have been members, uh, actually, your district attorney in Dallas County might be a good resource