Transcript Highlights:

• President, if you're testifying, please make sure you've filled out the electronic witness affirmation
• This bill simply, uh, requires tax assessors to make electronic payment options available for citizens
• by requiring taxpayers to pay $10,000 or more during the preceding fiscal year to file reports electronically
• is if you had a minimum of $10,000 in, in, in expenses the previous year, you'd have to use it electronically

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to introduce HB 411, relative to making the use of a mobile electronic device while driving
• of a mobile electronic device while driving<00:52:51.440> a<00:52:51.680> secondary<00
• vehicle for amending the applicable vehicle for amending the current<00:57:19.200> law<00:57:
• He said NIMRO believes retaining the use of a mobile electronic device while driving should remain a
• it can be very expensive and Electronics it can be very expensive and it<02:00:06.000> can<02

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, this is only applicable if his bill passes. If the bill passes.
• Well, this is only applicable if its bill passes. If the bill passes.
• Because one of the criteria here that they're to look at for an application is geological.
• And to reiterate, we talked about the applications that were approved.
• And to reiterate, we talked about the applications that were approved.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:42.720> at is able to switch on those electrons at is able to switch on those electrons
• /c><00:10:25.440> in<00:10:25.680> a electrons onto the grid in a electrons onto the grid
• provided provided in paper or electronic provided provided in paper or electronic form
• should it be and electronic form? should it be and electronic form?
• submit it electronic. submit it electronic. >> All<04:28:42.720> right.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• record to the actual physical electronic record to the actual physical record<00:16:41.759> of
• <00:17:47.280> Pole towns now that are using electronic Pole towns now that are using electronic
• poll books the close out the electronic poll books the number<00:18:14.880> of<00:18:15.039><
• <00:18:32.039> form that is collected is in electronic form that is collected is in electronic
• also requires if you are an electronic also requires if you are an electronic ballot<01:41:09.360

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• In summary, the PBM electronic reverse auction drug benefit procurement and reconciliation conducted
• Point number one, the line by line electronic reconciliation line by line electronic reconciliation identified
• In summary, the PBM alert electric<01:10:44.239> electronic<01:10:44.800> reverse<01:10
• :45.280> auction<01:10:45.840> drug electric electronic reverse auction drug electric electronic
• waste bill making its way electronics waste bill making its way through<01:49:06.400> now,<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the trailer bill, the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic
• the trailer bill, the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic
• the trailer bill, the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic
• the trailer bill, the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic
• the trailer bill, the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the requirement is starting in section two to make it available in electronic format.
• <00:53:34.319> uh available uh in um in electronic uh available uh in um in electronic uh
• receipt means the same the electronic receipt means the same thing<00:55:10.480> so<00:55:10.720
• directed to establish that electronic directed to establish that electronic filing<00:59:08.640>
• so thank goodness this electronically so thank goodness for<01:00:05.640> the<01:00:05.799>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Simply, EPR is about having a structured electronic way of reporting back and forth between those that
• Simply, EPR is about having a structured electronic way of reporting back and forth between those that
• Simply, EPR is about having a structured electronic way of reporting back and forth between those that
• What the law will now change is they have got to notify you electronically.
• have got to notify you electronically. have got to notify you electronically.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted a conference committee report on House File 3900, a constitutional amendment related to state government and school trust lands. Members from both parties praised the work on the bill and said the conference committee returned a clean version of the House-passed measure. The report was adopted without opposition, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a 134-0 roll call. The chamber then took up Senate File 4282, a forecast-adjustments bill covering K-12 education, human services, children and families, and transportation. Representative Youakim explained that the conference report restored all four forecast articles plus several no-cost education items, including school fund transfers, utility-payment authority, a paraprofessional licensing clarification, a grant extension, and school trust lands language. Representative Mueller moved to refuse adoption, arguing the report had become a catchall and omitted agreed-upon literacy language; that motion failed 62-72. The House then adopted the conference report, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a 94-37 vote. Next, the House concurred in Senate amendments to House File 4138, the social media bill aimed at restricting addictive social media harms for minors. The Senate had removed House “threat alert” language, and the author said that was the only substantive difference. Supporters said the bill would protect kids online and require parental permission for social media accounts for children 15 and under. The House concurred and repassed the bill as amended by the Senate on a 131-2 vote. The House then began consideration of Senate File 2373, a labor and industry bill exempting minor league baseball players from minimum wage and overtime requirements. Through a series of amendments, members added provisions on rural cancer research, disability services and employment access, unemployment insurance for certain laid-off Iron Range miners, and agricultural funding items such as depredation, local foods, down payment assistance, and meat processing grants. One proposed amendment to remove the double-fencing requirement for farmed cervidae was strongly opposed as a threat to deer health and was defeated 61-72. The transcript ends during debate on that amendment, before final disposition of the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• for projects and if we applications for projects and if we should<00:28:42.240> find<00:28:42.559
• has made uh a request where an applicant has made uh a request uh<00:28:50.960> for<00:28:51.840
• <00:28:59.600> to statute would would not be applicable to statute would would not be applicable
• This policy exists for when those occasions they need to send the electrons somewhere.
• This policy exists for when those occasions they need to send the electrons somewhere.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on April 14 and began by welcoming a new member, Representative Samban Denier, who briefly described his background as a Clarkson University environmental engineering graduate and Air Force veteran. The committee then moved into a work session on five energy-related bills, starting with Senate Bill 65 on stormwater management for solar arrays. Representative McGee presented amendment 1594H, which would exclude projects in shoreland areas from the bill’s permit-by-notification process and require the standard alteration-of-terrain permit review instead. Members asked for clarification, and McGee explained the amendment was requested by the New Hampshire Lakes Association and others to preserve the fuller review process for shoreland projects. The committee appeared satisfied with the explanation and moved on. The committee next discussed Senate Bill 230 on electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources. Members concluded that section one was unnecessary because a better definition of advanced nuclear resources had already been added to House Bill 710, and that section two would allow investment in advanced nuclear resources in a way they had already rejected in another bill due to ratepayer risk. Several members agreed the bill was redundant and supported an ITL motion. They also discussed Senate Bill 232 on net metering terms and conditions, focusing first on whether hydroelectric generators could be listed in ISO New England while also taking net metering credits. Granite State Hydropower Association representative Heidi Kroll testified that generators are subject to checks and balances, that double-dipping is not occurring, and that rules and tariffs already require participation in one market arrangement or the other. Discussion on Senate Bill 232 then shifted to section two, which would bar retroactive changes to net metering tariffs in place as of January 1, 2025. Representative McGee proposed alternative language to protect existing customer generators, group hosts, and municipal hosts from retroactive changes, while others said the language was needed to provide stability for current participants operating on thin margins. Some members supported the clearer wording; others argued the committee should not tie the hands of the PUC and DOE, noting future circumstances could require regulatory flexibility and that conflicts could be resolved in court if necessary. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead the juvenile court overseeing his case exercised her discretion to release him on electronic
• While under court-ordered electronic monitoring, is necessary.
• At the time my brother was murdered, the electronic monitoring contract had lapsed.
• The individual who killed Jacob was not under active electronic monitoring when he pulled that trigger
• We have more oversight of what's happening with the electronic monitoring and the state's role in that

Bills: HB1011, SCR11, SB41, SB49, SB107, SB123, SB224, SB292, SB425, SB479

Keywords: tax credits, higher education, workforce development, brain drain, economic incentives, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, SB49, Louisiana elections, party primary, primary elections, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, school board elections, election law, candidate qualification, ballot access

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee heard Senate Bill 123 by Sen. Morris, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a legislative-address process for removing certain judges for cause, with the governor certifying removal after a legislative vote and Senate trial. The bill was presented as a way to address perceived gaps and ambiguity in the current Constitution between impeachment provisions and the Judiciary Commission’s authority over judicial discipline. The committee also adopted a technical amendment (Amendment Set 4708) that renumbered paragraphs for clarity. Sen. Morris and supporters argued the measure is needed because current mechanisms have not adequately held judges accountable in serious cases. They cited several criminal cases, especially involving juveniles and electronic monitoring failures, and said the bill would provide a last-resort remedy for gross misconduct, incompetence, or malfeasance. Multiple family members of murder victims testified in support, including Anna Carter, James Carter, and Tracy Carter, who described the death of Jacob Carter and said the case showed a failure of oversight and accountability. Reverend Rodney Wood also spoke in support, describing another case he believed reflected a grave injustice. Committee members raised concerns about separation of powers, due process, political misuse, and whether the bill would reach beyond judges to district attorneys. Some questioned the mechanics of the proposed process, the role of the governor, the Senate trial, and whether the Judiciary Commission and existing impeachment provisions should instead be strengthened or clarified. The ACLU testified in opposition, saying the bill had technical inconsistencies in its vote threshold language, could be addressed by testing existing impeachment authority first, and should not single out judicial discretion while excluding DA discretion. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• issue at the moment they issue the letter which can come via the mail or sometimes they'll come electronically
• This is the gross amount of money we pay for all electronic transactions.
• The opportunity to be here today and to share their perspective at the Electronic Transactions Association
• locations, as we all know, you're studying this issue because of the vast increase in the use of electronic
• In 2025, I looked at our sales in Danvers: 93% of our customers paid by credit card or some electronic

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met for its second hearing to study the future of credit card payments and sales transactions and their impacts on small businesses. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurants, and payment-industry representatives on interchange fees, processing fees, fraud, chargebacks, rewards programs, and the ability of businesses to pass fees on to customers. Several witnesses argued that swipe fees have risen sharply, are especially burdensome for restaurants and other small businesses, and are charged on taxes and tips that are merely pass-through amounts. They urged state action to prohibit fees on tax and tip portions, improve transparency, and allow surcharging or convenience fees, while opponents warned that state regulation could reduce fraud protections, increase compliance costs, and threaten consumer rewards programs. Business owners and trade groups described thin margins, rising costs, and the difficulty of understanding merchant statements or negotiating with processors. Restaurant witnesses said card-not-present and online transactions create the greatest fraud and chargeback risk, with money often removed immediately from merchants’ accounts and disputes rarely resolved in their favor. Retail witnesses gave examples of rising effective rates, higher fees on rewards cards, and the burden of processing fees on low-value transactions. A representative from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others said restaurants are effectively paying fees on meals tax and gratuities, which they argued should not be subject to interchange charges. On the other side, the Cooperative Credit Union Association said interchange revenue helps credit unions fund fraud prevention, rapid card replacement, and member protections, and warned that state limits on interchange could weaken those safeguards and lead to higher consumer costs or reduced services. Airlines for America testified that airline credit card rewards are popular, support travel and jobs in Massachusetts, and could be harmed by interchange reform. The National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that interchange fees are set by card networks rather than competitive markets, that banks remain highly profitable even with rewards, and that states can act after recent court decisions. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questions from commissioners.

Transcript Highlights:

• Although the grooming of children can happen outside of electronic communications, recent data shows
• <00:05:09.919> communications,<00:05:10.639> recent<00:05:11.039> data electronic
• communications, recent data electronic communications, recent data shows<00:05:12.160> that<00
• We have exempted virtual school<00:10:33.519> instruction,<00:10:34.560> electronic<00:
• 10:35.200> transi school instruction, electronic transi school instruction, electronic transi

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Education Committee met to consider Senate Bill 181, which revises Kentucky’s new law on traceable school communications between adults in positions of authority and students. Senator Lindsey Tichenor explained that the bill was originally enacted earlier in the year to prevent private electronic communications that could facilitate grooming, but implementation revealed problems that prompted a committee substitute. She said the revised bill broadens and clarifies definitions, including family member and qualified school volunteer, narrows the law to students enrolled in the same district, and adds exemptions for virtual instruction, translation services, parent-provided phone numbers, public social media, commercial communications, secure healthcare messaging, and emergencies. It also changes parental consent rules, limits mandatory reporting to situations involving a reasonable belief of an unreported violation, and makes disciplinary action against employees or volunteers permissible rather than mandatory. The committee adopted the substitute by voice vote after a motion and second, and the bill was then opened for public testimony. Laura Wills Coppelman testified in support of the bill’s purpose but urged more attention to what happens after a concern is raised. She said her own experience and those of other survivors showed that internal school processes can fail students and that parental notification alone is not enough if investigations remain inside the institution. She suggested that when an internal investigation ends without discipline, parents should receive a written explanation so decisions affecting student safety are documented and reviewable. Senators asked about coach-athlete communications, parental notice, commercial contacts, and possible remaining issues involving school resource officers and designated school personnel. Tichenor said public social media interactions and parent consent forms would allow needed coach communications, schools would inform parents of violations and outcomes, and commercial or second-job contacts were addressed in the exemptions. Several senators spoke in support of the revised bill while acknowledging concerns and unintended consequences from the original law. Senator Reed emphasized parental empowerment and asked about recruiting-related coach communications; Senator Neal asked how parents would be informed and was told the school would notify them; Senator Higdon said the bill was a thoughtful revisit and noted possible future amendments for DPSs and SROs; and Senator Meredith and others said the changes addressed unintended consequences rather than a flawed policy goal. Senator Thomas framed the measure as a matter of boundaries, and Senator Williams said the bill may need continued monitoring as technology changes but that it had already helped identify potential abuse cases. The committee then voted on the bill, with members explaining their votes before the meeting moved toward final action on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, the Kentucky Electronic Titling System, which we call KY ELT, is under way.
• <00:30:23.360> lean course the um Kentucky electronic lean course the um Kentucky electronic
• Of course, insurance system modernization is on the horizon, as well as electronic sheriff's inspection
• And make this an automated electronic sheriff inspection that will send that data to a system that the
• <00:34:27.240> share this an automated electronic share this an automated electronic share

Keywords: Roll Call 00:23 Roll Call Approval of Minutes 00:57 HB 664 Discussion 01:26 HB 664 Vote 08:25 HB 682 Discussion 10:46 HB 682 Vote 12:12 HB 493 Discussion 13:00 HB 493 Vote 20:20 HJR 5 Discussion 21:14 HJR 5 Vote 25:08 Kavis and Sherriff’s Inspection Discussion 27:40 Admin. Reg Consideration 35:40, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, it requires those seeking to vote electronically in an HOA election to get their ballots no less
• removes barriers such as removing the requirement that the school principal approve students’ CCAP applications
• removes barriers such as removing the requirement that the school principal approve a student’s CCAP application
• and streamlining the application process so that a student completes only one application for the duration
• aims to enhance employee protection by addressing workplace violence restraining orders that are applicable

Summary: The Assembly met on May 7, 2026, after an initial delay caused by the absence of a quorum, then proceeded with prayer, a moment of silence for victims of a hate-motivated attack at the Islamic Center in San Diego, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Speaker pro tempore then moved through the daily file, repeatedly urging members to be on time and at their desks as the House of Origin deadline approached. Procedural actions included dispensing with the journal, deferring some items, and moving AB 1667 to the inactive file. The bulk of the session was devoted to floor consideration of many bills, most of which passed with little or no opposition. Measures approved included bills on artificial intelligence provenance information (AB 2713), community college trustee compensation (AB 2528), transit camera enforcement and privacy (AB 1837), excess proceeds claims in taxation (AB 2705), HOA technical cleanup (AB 1892), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), child care planning in local general plans (AB 1914), greenhouse energy code flexibility (AB 2200), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), housing cleanup and density bonus measures (including AB 2390, AB 2480, AB 1567, AB 1751, and others), spay/neuter access (AB 2010), workforce housing financing tools (AB 2110), supportive housing and homelessness-related changes (AB 2146), mental health and health plan notification measures (AB 1598, AB 2613), student aid and education bills (AB 1534, AB 1636, AB 1669, AB 1728, AB 1784, AB 1871), public safety and criminal justice bills (AB 1546, AB 1572, AB 1872, AB 1877, AB 1932), and several health and social services measures (AB 1602, AB 1628, AB 1680, AB 1825, AB 1845, AB 1906, AB 1907, AB 1925). Most bills were described as support measures, often with bipartisan backing and no opposition, and passed by wide margins. A few bills drew more discussion, especially AB 1751, a housing/townhome bill that sparked extended debate over wages, prevailing wage, stakeholder engagement, and whether the measure could depress pay for construction trades; despite concerns and an opposition speech, it ultimately passed 44-0. AB 1793, which would allow symmetrical rounding of cash transactions to the nearest nickel in light of the penny’s phaseout, also drew light debate and passed 47-1. AB 1932, an urgency measure expanding community-based crisis response, passed with one no vote on both the urgency and the bill. Several urgency or 54-vote bills, including AB 1534 and AB 1932, required later roll calls or calls to be lifted, but all measures described in the transcript were ultimately approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, requires seeking to vote electronically in an HOA election, get their ballots no less than 30
• removes barriers, such as removing the requirement that the school principal approve a student's CCAP application
• removes barriers, such as removing the requirement that the school principal approve a student's CCAP application
• , and streamlines the application process so that a student completes only one application for the duration
• aims to enhance employee protection by addressing workplace violence restraining orders that are applicable

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And all of these technologies would then be applicable to many of the other pests that Commissioner Miller
• We want application since this bait will last 4 weeks. That's, that's long enough.
• they kept, they put out bait every week, but they didn't have the time release, so they made 4 applications
• But I think 1 application of ours lasts 4 weeks, then you come in with the flies behind it.
• For example, state investment in research such as the electron beam and gene editing that we heard earlier

Transcript Highlights:

• And because it's a dollar figure applicable to all businesses, it's fair.
• And because it's a dollar figure that's applicable to a location, it's also fair and efficient.
• Senate Bill 1073, relating to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant
• Senate Bill 1073, relating to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant
• and investigate reports of skimmers. ...to inspect and investigate reports of skimmers found on electronic

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE SILENCE ELECTRONICS AND ANYONE WISHING TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE HAND AN APPEARANCE CARD
• CAUSING THE IN PROPER HANDLING AND FILING OF VISAS, GREEN CARD, WORK PERMITS, AND EVEN CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS
• THIS FUND WILL BE $15 MILLION AND AVAILABLE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, WHOEVER GETS THEIR APPLICATION IN
• ONCE THE FUND IS GONE IF IT'S USED UP IN LET'S JUST SAY THEY MAKE ENOUGH APPLICATIONS, IT'S USED UP IN
• DECISIONS THAT AFFECT PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS AND APPLICANTS BUT AS NEIGHBORS WHO DEPEND ON SHARED RESOURCES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A reminder about your electronics if you would make sure they're in the silent mode.
• rate on those students have gone through a process of identification, have got to college made an application
• I just want to be clear that its application with all due respect, Mister Chair, we write a bunch of
• But how familiar are you with the reality practical application of the fact that overwhelming number
• This bill increases the risk of unequal application of justice, particularly for individuals who may

Keywords: 999, senate, all