Transcript Highlights:

• There's a process when we use the evaluation process that everybody tests and then somewhat goes to C
• Without a doubt, environmental testing does cost something.
• The bill, as it's currently written, asks the department to... ...testing does cost something.
• testing, low tens.
• to C&E, and a rule to ensure the testing data was done and submitted properly.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 80 by Representative Domangue, which expressed support for private property rights and reviewed the 2025 landman code of conduct. Domangue described concerns about aggressive landmen and expropriation threats, then voluntarily deferred the resolution so Chairman Geymann could present his bill. The committee then took up HB 841, also on expropriation procedures and landman conduct. Geymann explained the bill was aimed at how expropriation negotiations are conducted and enforced, not at whether expropriation is allowed, and cited a recent dispute involving a pipeline right-of-way and threatening letters to landowners. A video of affected landowners was played, and members from industry and landowner groups discussed the need for fair compensation and better communication. The committee adopted two amendment sets to HB 841. The first set made technical changes, removed some court-cost language, broadened the code of conduct to all certificate holders, added a prohibition on threatening landowners with court costs and attorney fees, shortened the response period for offers, and clarified that the rules apply across energy types rather than only carbon capture. The second amendment set added graduated fines for violations, required the Department of Conservation and Energy to collect the fines, and directed the department to post violators on its website. After support testimony and no opposition, HB 841 was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which requires recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. An amendment clarified that existing DEQ recycling rules apply. Members raised concerns about decommissioning language, costs, and whether the bill overlapped with existing hazardous-waste and universal-waste rules. Coates agreed to remove the bill’s last sentence on decommissioning costs and add an effective date of January 1, 2027. DEQ explained that many components are already covered under federal and state universal-waste rules, and industry witnesses said solar recycling is feasible and already occurring. HB 621 was then reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 595 by Representative Jacob Landry, which addresses local permits that impede natural resource development, especially road permits affecting Haynesville shale operations. An amendment clarified that local governments may not unreasonably interfere with permitted activity and that road permits not acted on within 30 days are deemed approved. Supporters said delayed parish permits can stall rigs, reduce investment, and hurt royalty owners, while opponents warned the bill could further erode local authority, including in carbon capture matters. Police jury representatives said they were willing to keep working on the issue and suggested a 30- to 45-day target for permit decisions. HB 595 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then began HB 1191 by Representative Landry, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites, with testimony that it could help clear environmental liability and bring properties back into commerce; the bill was still under amendment and questioning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• He had to go through training programs, tape tests, and all that.
• But typically it's soils testing, pavement testing, concrete testing—those types of things that are applicable
• roads last, our bridges last, all of our infrastructure is really going to last and stand up to the test
• Going to last and stand up to the test of time for these programs.
• infrastructure and make sure that our dollars in the long term go to infrastructure that's going to stand the test

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• $11, almost $12,000 for sale of garbage bags, I mean, I’m sorry, that just doesn’t pass the smell test
• That doesn't pass the smell test. Very good point, sir. Anyway.
• Adequate supporting documentation was not provided for tested disbursements of $2,169 in noncompliance
• Adequate supporting documentation was not provided for tested disbursements of $2,169 in noncompliance
• But the cash was included in the 10 deposits tested.

Summary: The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation. The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present. Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But being able to go ahead and say yes, do those additional testing and not having to stop and say, wait
• But being able to go ahead and say yes, do that additional testing and not having to stop and say, wait
• this and we've talked a fair amount about this bill, and one thing I like about it is preventative testing
• And one thing I like about it is preventative testing, and so that's what we're catching early and doing
• about is is a preventative uh testing about is is a preventative uh testing and<00:16:07.839>

Bills: HB300, HB40, SB19, HB283, HB179, HB296, HB300, HB40, SB19, HB283, HB179, HB296

Keywords: HB300, Choctaw County, probate court, probate judge, recording fee, filing fee, deed tax, mortgage tax, deeds, mortgages, property records, recordation, county local act, local legislation, technology upgrades, digitalization of records, recordkeeping, county treasury, special fund, court administration

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:22.240> that's<00:26:22.640> helping<00:26:22.880> us<00:26:23.120> test
• <00:26:23.440> these group that's helping us test these group that's helping us test these
• Are they tied to deliverables or acceptance testing? Go into that. >> Absolutely.
• Go<00:30:18.880> into<00:30:19.679> talk<00:30:19.840> about acceptance testing
• Go into talk about acceptance testing?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: Personnel Cabinet and Kentucky Employees Health Plan officials presented a request to replace the Kentucky Human Resources Information System (CHRIS), the state’s HR/payroll ERP system procured in 2007. They said the system supports core HR and payroll for about 48,000 state employees, 24 sheriff and county clerk offices, and the Kentucky Employees Health Plan, which covers more than 300,000 lives. Officials emphasized that SAP has said the system will be end-of-life and out of support by 2030, which would eliminate security updates, vendor maintenance, and tax-compliance support. They argued that replacement is necessary to protect sensitive personnel and health data, maintain payroll accuracy, and avoid major operational and cybersecurity risks. Officials described the project as a true replacement, not just an upgrade, and said the proposed $151 million request covers a five- to six-year implementation, stabilization, and ongoing maintenance period. They broke down the estimate as including roughly $54 million for software licensing and hosting, about $76.5 million for systems integrator/professional services, and additional amounts for independent verification and validation, dependent verification for the health plan, FSA administration, contingency staffing, and hardware-related needs. They said the cost increase from prior estimates was mainly due to inflation and updated requirements. They also noted that payments would be tied to deliverables and checkpoints, with third-party IV&V oversight, and that the cabinet expects to continue normal quarterly IT reporting to LRC while also providing at least monthly project updates because of the 2030 deadline. Committee members asked about the total cost of ownership, recurring operating costs, the size of the integrator contract, how vendor costs were estimated, and how progress would be tracked. Officials said they used market research, peer-state comparisons, vendor discussions, and independent reviews, including input from AON and a third-party QA resource. They explained that the integrator would handle requirements mapping, system design, configuration, training, change management, and implementation support across the Personnel Cabinet, KHP, and other stakeholders. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions, and answers on the funding request and implementation plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christian Griffith, Assembly Budget: Medi-Cal is a means-tested program for low-income individuals.
• impacts of the cuts proposed around IHS workers, dental care, and the overall freeze on medical asset test
• We want to especially mention the Medi-Cal asset test and the HomeSafe.
• While we appreciate maintaining funding for IHSS and the increase in the asset test limit, we are deeply
• rejection of the Governor's proposal for upward time cuts and the reinstatement of Medi-Cal asset test

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now the testing is there as well as the treatments are available when MLD begins to rob a child of the
• 26:48.399> were<00:26:48.600> Out<00:26:48.760> Of<00:26:48.880> Reach testing
• uh things that were Out Of Reach testing uh things that were Out Of Reach of<00:26:49.240> medicine
• 22.799> the for treatment and time together now the for treatment and time together now the testing
• is there as well as the testing is there as well as the treatments<00:27:25.840> are<00:27:26.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think we'll go for that explanation I think we'll go right<00:02:02.960> to<00:02:03.079> test
• > remembering<00:02:04.600> uh<00:02:05.000> as<00:02:05.240> we right to test
• fires remembering uh as we right to test fires remembering uh as we discussed<00:02:06.079> at
• > first<00:02:08.440> up<00:02:08.640> is<00:02:09.000> uh minutes per test
• fire so first up is uh minutes per test fire so first up is uh Chris<00:02:10.000> Conroy<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But the true test of an institution is how it steps up in times of crisis.
• program for Maui last session but the program for Maui last session but the true<00:19:36.400> test
• > institution<00:19:37.760> is<00:19:37.919> how<00:19:38.080> it true test
• of an institution is how it true test of an institution is how it steps<00:19:38.559> up<00:19
• <00:19:42.960> our and the Maui fire severely tested our and the Maui fire severely tested

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there’s some testing that’s involved as well. So the inventory is done.
• Then the test is done on each homeowner. And again, they suspect it’s between $30,000 and $50,000.
• “I’m assuming that you’re taking a sample and there’s some particle amount of lead that they’re testing
• Once you change out all this pipe to the cutoff valve and you go test those same homes again, are you
• , water testing program.”

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there’s some testing that’s involved as well. So the inventory is done.
• Then the test is done on each homeowner. And again, they suspect it’s between 30,000 and 50,000.
• I’m assuming that you’re taking a sample and there’s some particle amount of lead that they’re testing
• Once you change out all this pipe to the cutoff valve and you go test those same homes again, are you
• , water testing program.”

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• dissemination of voting information to increase voter participation and confidence, voting system testing
• So each program increment is designed, developed, and user acceptance tested by the stakeholders, and
• So recently we brought them in to do user testing.
• volunteered to come in, and we set them up, we trained them, we assigned them a mentor, and they tested
• I think it was nine per week that came in and tested the system.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill doesn't take into account how hospital blood tests are always falsely elevated.
• Just because you took a Xanax, you're still testing positive the next day, even though it's not psychoactive
• Just because you took a hydrocodone this weekend for knee pain, you're still testing positive today,
• cooperate, at that point I now... ...have a greater penalty than if I refuse to give a breath or a blood test
• of what now we lawyers are going to advise people on, whether you should give a breath or a blood test

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miller obscenity test. That bill tried to ban any performance that appealed to a prurient interest.
• found that to be broad and vague, so we'd have to really incorporate all of the elements of the Miller test
• But yeah, we would have to incorporate all three aspects of that Miller test. ...modified to minors.
• The 5th Circuit has said that you can tweak the test, but you have to evaluate art as a whole.
• Pass that test on this sixth time, and I thank Chair King for bringing this in a timely fashion.

Bills: SB34, SB75, SB330, SB1535, SB18, SB 18, SB 34

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Applicants must pass the compelling factor test, where the agreement must be the compelling factor in
• facilities locate, it is difficult for dispatchable energy generators to pass the compelling factor test
• is that it amends section 403 to exclude electric generation facilities from the compelling factor test
• an important technical correction to the JEDI Act, exempting generation from the compelling factor test
• last session is that it was the intent to exempt dispatchable generation from the compelling factor test

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Transcript Highlights:

• One is that if it's uneconomical, and there are already tests on whether it's uneconomical or not, according
• Is that what you're testing? Defining baseline.
• It requires... ...20 hours, that's it, and passing a test. I have a D-level license.
• And so once that quality for the water system is determined to be poor, or had failed tests a certain
• they're going to get them up to standards. ...even though they may or may not have failed any TCEQ testing

Bills: HB29, HB685, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1918, HB2010, HB2500, HB2608, HB2626, HB29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl as part of any urine
• testing they conduct to treat individuals for possible drug overdose or poisoning.
• The bill will increase the frequency and efficiency of fentanyl testing, ensuring that patients receive
• This is a technical amendment to ensure that hospitals are performing the correct follow-up test that
• aligns with, in the event that they diagnosed fentanyl from the urine test, and that aligns with the

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:54:20.240> and are public schools regularly test and are public schools regularly test
• But we have a cap, and it's means tested. You want to take away means testing.
• we shouldn't means test to admission we shouldn't means test to allow<02:54:52.200> parents<02
• We don't means-test for government school admission; we shouldn't means-test to allow parents the option
• You do not income test a public school.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective. Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator. Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• exists, but this bill really seeks to build on that and create a permanent structure to evaluate, test
• exists, but this bill really seeks to build on that and create a permanent structure to evaluate, test
• outreach and coordination program, which works with firefighters and innovators to identify problems, test
• It also ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent on technologies that have been rigorously tested, validated

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In partnership with the CSF and the Public Health Institute, CBE conducted tap water testing across Southeast
• In partnership with the CSF and the Public Health Institute, CBE conducted tap water testing across southeast
• Our community should not have to conduct their own testing or work.
• Our community should not have to conduct their own testing or fight just to get basic information about

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard SB 1131, which would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by directing the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. The bill’s supporters, including representatives of the debt collection industry, said it would reduce duplicative work and lower compliance costs while preserving consumer protections. One opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said there were still concerns, and the chair noted the need to protect the underlying consumer policy goals. The committee voted do pass and re-refer the bill to Appropriations; it was later confirmed out of committee on a 7-0 vote with absent members added on call. The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water company boards by eliminating 24-hour written notice requirements for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information and water quality reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including community and public health advocates, described problems in Southeast Los Angeles and other areas where residents said they lacked access to board information, notices, and timely water quality disclosures. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates, assumed broadband and administrative capacity that many small systems do not have, and could push consolidation. After discussion about transparency and the needs of small systems, the committee voted do pass and re-refer the bill to Environmental Quality; it was later confirmed out of committee on a 7-0 vote.