Transcript Highlights:

• Utility account set-up fees. Those are already capped in... Utility account set-up fees.
• Do we revisit the utility piece, I guess, in this bill?
• pays utilities.
• That landlords cannot charge for utilities if the tenant pays utilities directly to the provider.
• But otherwise, we did not touch the utility account set-up fee.

Keywords: Virginia Housing Commission - Fees in Residential Rental Agreements Workgroup, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Saving goals on a level that we think utilities can actually achieve.
• Please pass this bill and... help us to pay our utility bills. Mr.
• Texas has long established utility efficiency programs, as noted earlier.
• I think even the utilities. want to do the right thing, to be honest.
• We've got two bodies that determine what these utilities do.

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

Transcript Highlights:

• deal with them differently, and what I found is insurance companies use that prior authorization to control
• The screenings that are currently being utilized are covered because that is not currently covered all
• The screenings that are currently being utilized are covered because that is not currently covered all
• It is important, however, to ensure that... screenings that are currently being utilized, covered because

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In recommendations, we reduce the general revenue by $6 million for the utilization of federal funds
• a half billion of customer rate relief bonds to mitigate the impact of winter storm Murie on gas utility
• The Railroad Commission, which we dealt with on the gas utility transaction I mentioned earlier. there's
• We went into operations in 1997 to get workers' compensation costs under control.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Across those, she has spent to date $10.9 million utilizing the on-call, and the projected total cost
• Across those, she has spent to date $10.9 million utilizing the on-call, and the projected total cost
• We have to do better with the taxpayers' money and control the way we're spending it on these contracts
• So that's consistent if we utilize contract labor.
• If we utilize contract labor versus on state payroll, do we still get the same match, right? Yes.

Summary: The meeting began with a prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a February 2026 revenue report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year, and said the updated forecast showed a larger expected surplus than before. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fees, and possible effects of inflation and international conflict; Silva generally attributed the changes to timing issues, prior tax cuts, refund activity, and price fluctuations, and said he could not speculate on future impacts. The committee then heard and adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish State Police, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and APER filings. Most reports were approved without objection. One budget classification transfer for the Commissioner of State Lands was reviewed and failed. The review report also led to discussion of several contracts, including DHS staffing contracts and a Department of Education security contract, with some items held or separated for individual votes. A major portion of the meeting focused on DHS and state staffing contracts for the Human Development Centers, Arkansas State Hospital, and related facilities. DHS officials said the contracts were on track against seven-year projections, but members expressed concern about heavy reliance on contract labor, vacancy rates, and the need to move workers onto state payrolls. Officials said they were preparing a recruitment and retention plan and described staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover. Members also questioned contract projections and federal-state funding matches, and several urged faster action to reduce contract labor costs. The committee also discussed a Department of Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and Employment and Training. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the cuts were driven by funding shortfalls, over-obligation of funds, and federal issues, and that 27 positions would be permanently eliminated while furloughed employees would be recalled. Members raised concerns about service impacts, board appointments, and the division’s fiscal management. The meeting ended after the personnel report was adopted and APER was filed as reviewed, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The problem is this is a quite a handy tool to control your comp to control people from starting small
• What I have more control over our lives.
• I want some control,<01:32:13.600> freedom,<01:32:13.920> and control, freedom, and control
• <01:32:58.719> your is a quite a handy tool to control your is a quite a handy tool to control
• > from<01:33:01.120> starting comp to control people from starting comp to control people

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill introduces a new section to the existing law allowing a municipality to install and utilize
• a mines pality I to install and utilize a mines pality I to install and utilize traffic<00:27:00.559
• The municipalities have full control. There is no third party.
• The city, the municipalities, have full control. There is no third party.
• cameras uh to regulate the speed control cameras uh to regulate the traffic<00:37:19.760> uh<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee opened with an announcement correcting the public hearing list: House Bill 209 was mistakenly listed as a continued hearing, but the chair said that hearing had already been closed and would not be reopened. The committee then moved to House Bill 305, which would allow municipalities to install and use speed and red-light cameras for traffic enforcement. The prime sponsor, Rep. Jones, said the bill was intended as a tool to address police staffing shortages and erratic driving, and emphasized that municipalities would pay the costs, work with DOT and the Department of Safety, and retain full control without using third-party vendors. He said the bill was meant to target speeding, red-light violations, and similar conduct, with enforcement handled locally and subject to state and federal law. Committee members raised questions about how citations would work, who would be held responsible in multi-driver or rental-car situations, whether due process would be affected, and whether cameras could identify the driver rather than just the vehicle. The sponsor and supporting witness Edward H. of Keene said municipalities would determine procedures, that an officer would still have to review and issue any summons, and that the bill was meant to be a limited enforcement tool rather than a catch-all. Edward H. also described the bill as adding guardrails such as a needs analysis, coordination with DOT, annual reporting, and public records of detections and fines. The Department of Transportation testified neutrally, saying it had no position on the bill and noting that current state systems include speed feedback signs, bridge security cameras, toll cameras that capture plates only, and traffic-signal detection cameras that do not record video. No vote was taken. The committee then held a brief hearing on House Bill 368, which would prohibit smoking tobacco products or e-cigarettes in a motor vehicle when a child under 16 is present and impose a $100 secondary fine. Rep. Miller introduced the bill in the sponsor’s absence, and there was no public testimony for or against it. The chair closed the hearing. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 390, which would add retired fire apparatus to the antique vehicle exemption so old fire trucks can be registered and used in parades without being stripped of their equipment. Rep. Parson explained that a strict reading of current law had led DMV to reject some antique fire engine registrations, and said the bill would fix that while preserving the ban on commercial use and on impersonating emergency vehicles. Members asked about the relationship to existing laws on emergency-vehicle impersonation, and the sponsor said the bill would not affect those laws. The hearing remained open as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• efforts to control or cap these taxes. efforts to control or cap these taxes.
• How are you going to utilize school? How are you going to utilize your<01:02:21.440> staff?
• We don't have control over that, and we can't control the cost of electricity, etc.
• control the cost of electricity etc. control the cost of electricity etc.
• that we have that are not controllable. that we have that are not controllable.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I will say for Jay's Health Center, we have five contracts that he can utilize.
• She has four contracts, on-call contracts at the State Hospital can utilize when they need coverage.
• But I will say for Jay's Health Center, we have five contracts that he can utilize the paid-to-date 8
• We have five contracts that he can utilize.
• She has four contracts, on-call contracts at the State Hospital can utilize when they need coverage.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:58:32.440> by<00:58:32.640> the 1.13 it's owned or controlled by the 1.13 it's
• owned or controlled by the state<00:58:33.079> for<00:58:33.359> military<00:58:34.000>
• And instead of those grocery stores being utilized by the residents, and those burned down, we would
• by by the grocery stores being utilized by by the residents<02:00:29.560> and<02:00:29.679>
• This bill would take away the possibility of utilizing online training.

Bills: HF1082, HF1042, HF1295, HF1686, HF1998, HF1775, HF1163

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Transcript Highlights:

• The compounded controlled medications, non-controlled medications, are additionally available.
• We get the controlled substances part.
• We get the controlled substances part.
• your digestion, it controls your bladder, it controls your blood pressure.
• Well, he doesn’t have that control.

Summary: The committee first heard and favorably reported SB 255, which expands eligibility for psychosocial rehabilitation services by adding health sciences and therapeutic recreation degrees to the list of acceptable educational backgrounds. Supporters said the change would help address workforce shortages and improve access in rural areas. SB 314 was then reported favorably; it cleans up prior law so a limited scope certified social worker license can still be used for community psychiatric support and treatment services even if the application is filed after the CSW license has expired, rather than being barred by a timing restriction. The committee next took up several bills by Chairman McMath. SB 26, which repeals facility need review requirements for opioid treatment programs, was reported favorably after members and witnesses said Louisiana has too few OTPs and that removing the review would improve access, especially in rural areas. SB 29, requiring review and reporting of a child’s immunization records in certain unexpected death autopsies, was reported favorably despite questions about whether the bill should refer more broadly to medical records; supporters said the data could help evaluate vaccine-related concerns, while opponents raised concerns about singling out immunizations. SB 30, dealing with telehealth for obesity/weight management, was amended and reported favorably; the committee adopted technical amendments and a conceptual amendment replacing “metabolic condition” with “weight management services,” while witnesses debated patient safety, board authority, and whether the bill should limit agencies’ ability to restrict telehealth in the future. The committee also reported favorably SB 219, which creates an Office of Health and Nutrition within LDH. Supporters from the department, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Pennington Biomedical said the office would strengthen coordination on nutrition, physical activity, and brain health, and cited high Alzheimer’s costs and prevalence in Louisiana. SB 222, which streamlines Medicaid behavioral health administrative requirements and expands telehealth for psychosocial rehabilitation, was reported favorably with amendments after supporters described workforce and rural access barriers. SB 195, the “Danny’s Dose EMS Treatment Act,” was reported favorably; it would allow EMS personnel to administer a patient’s own prescribed time-critical medication in emergencies, and testimony from a parent and physician described life-threatening delays under current practice. The committee also adopted SCR 2, updating hospital architectural standards to the most recent Facility Guidelines Institute edition, and SCR 22, requesting a more detailed legislative auditor report on opioid settlement expenditures; members said they wanted clearer outcome data and planned to refine the language before floor debate. Finally, HB 1093 on naturopathic medicine was introduced and heavily amended, with the bill shifted under LSBME oversight and a large set of changes discussed, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have no... we cannot control our fate anymore with water.
• We have no we cannot control our away.
• I do feel like they should have control over who their candidates are.
• It also talk about curriculum hiring and control.
• . control. control.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• I raise this utilities, and other bills.
• utilities Uh in apportioning utilities we<01:20:25.640> have<01:20:25.840> to<01:20:25.960
• can apportion the utilities can apportion the utilities appropriately. appropriately. appropriately
• and control. and control.
• > in Financial control is prevalent in Financial control is prevalent in domestic<02:07:44.840

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How is it being utilized, if it's being utilized?
• How is it being utilized, if it's being utilized?
• How is it being utilized, if it's being utilized?
• How is it being utilized, if it's being utilized?
• How is it being utilized, if it's being utilized?

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we were all growing up, but, you know, he was probably just trying to keep us all under control in
• Speaker and gentlemen, there are things sometimes out of the control of the folks who have asked for
• And the reason was outside of their control. The project hit a site.
• Speaker and gentlelady, do you realize you are taking away local control from school boards? Mr.
• So we are trying to keep control of involuntary commitment through this piece of legislation.

Bills: HB111, HB61, HB43, HB156, HB70, SB3, HB103, HB109, HB128, HB247, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• of Economic Development, the Urban Development Corporation, the Division of Alcohol and Beverage Control
• from buying a pack of candy or stopping to buy coffee, and the complaints are the same: the high utility
• great savings to the ratepayers as well as the businesses, such as provide a tax holiday on the utilities

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint Economic Development budget subcommittee meeting opened with introductions, review of subcommittee rules, and identification of the agencies to be discussed, including the Department of Economic Development, Urban Development Corporation, Alcohol and Beverage Control, Cannabis Management, and the Gaming Commission. The chairs also outlined broad budget priorities, including support for innovation hotspots, incubators, minority- and women-owned businesses, biomedical research, centers of excellence, advanced technology, workforce development, and grants tied to tourism, cultural institutions, public safety equipment, and food retail subsidies. Most member comments focused on small business conditions and economic development policy. Senators Borrello and Chan emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and argued for reducing taxes, utility costs, fines, permits, and regulations; Chan suggested a possible one-year utility tax holiday. Assembly Member Slater similarly criticized New York’s tax and regulatory climate and promoted legislation to create a Department of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth. Assembly Member Buttenschon discussed one-house proposals such as changes to small business stock ownership rules and a hardship savings account, while Assembly Member Bendett said county infrastructure funding should be increased substantially. Several members highlighted sector-specific investments. Senator Addabbo and Assembly Member Woerner stressed the importance of racing and gaming, including addiction treatment and recovery, integrity in racing, and stronger drug testing. Assembly Member Otis pointed to science and technology initiatives such as Micron, Empire AI, quantum research at Stony Brook, and broadband/digital inclusion through ConnectALL. Assembly Member Cashman supported investment in the Cornell Center for Food and Agriculture, and Senator Hinchey praised tourism matching grants, restaurant and farm food donation tax credits, and incentives for heat pumps and clean energy retrofits. No formal votes were taken. The meeting ended with staff continuing consultations with members and the chairs concluding the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative, so basically what you're trying to do is keep local control local, keep people's money
• that they earned locally in their own community, by their own work, keeping it local so they can utilize
• those funds to progress and expand 4-Hs within their own communities, ...local so they can utilize those

Bills: HB2398, HB4363, HB3557, HB3701, HB2210

Keywords: credential of value, education, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, higher education, Oklahoma State University, Board of Trustees, presidential selection, college governance, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, academic programs, low-producing programs, Oklahoma State Board of Regents, program review, curriculum quality

Transcript Highlights:

• You guys get to make those calls in local control.
• If you look at our utility companies, cable companies, telecom companies, gas companies, electric companies
• The funds that were appropriated for that purpose, uh, to make sure that they can be utilized by an eligible

Transcript Highlights:

• UTILITY LINEMAN WERE PRE STAGE AND CUSTOMERS WHO LOST POWER WERE RESTORED IN RECORD TIME.
• AT THE STATE LEVEL WE HAVE UTILIZED ALL AVAILABLE LOVERS FROM THE FLORIDA DISASTER FUND TO THE FLORIDA
• WE NEED TO CLEAN UP THE PETITION FOR FRAUD AND WE NEED TO CLEAN UP IS OUT OF CONTROL AMENDMENT PROCESS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Utility linemen were pre-staged and customers who lost power were restored in record time.
• At the state level we have utilized all available levers from the Florida Disaster Fund to the Florida
• We need to clean up the petition fraud and we need to clean up this out of control amendment process

Keywords: 998, house, all