Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of natural resource relief and readiness, the bill appropriates $10 million from the general
• In terms of natural resource relief and readiness, the bill appropriates $10 million from the general
• And so there's resources and community help for them.
• These were unique resources that came down.
• You've got to parse that out, and you have to look at the cost-benefit analysis of the authorization

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that Senate Bill 172 be taken from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, given its first
• reading, and return to the committee on Natural Resources and Energy.
• its first reading, and returned to Natural Resources and Energy.
• its first reading, and returned to Natural Resources and Energy.
• The Bureau of Economic Analysis reports Kentucky has approximately 2 million jobs in 2023.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 38 members present and approved the journal from February 9, 2026. Committee reports were received on several bills, including Agriculture reporting Senate Bills 45 and 155 favorably, Banking and Insurance reporting Senate Bills 118 and 153 with committee substitutes, Families and Children reporting Senate Bill 160, and Licensing and Occupations reporting Senate Bills 98 and 145. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 748 and requested concurrence. New measures were introduced, including bills on pharmacy technician supervision, a Kentucky Health Command, campaign finance, and speech-language pathologists, along with several resolutions honoring individuals and memorializing Steven D. Dittle. The chamber then considered Senate Bill 136, relating to unemployment insurance fraud. Supporters said the bill clarifies which agencies are involved in fraud cases and helps ensure recovered funds are returned to the unemployment trust fund. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 38-0. Senators also debated Senate Bill 183, concerning the regulation of proxy advisory services. Supporters argued it would increase transparency and require disclosure when proxy advice is influenced by non-financial considerations, while opponents said it would create bureaucracy, chill speech, and raise constitutional concerns. After debate, the bill passed 32-6. After floor action on those bills, Senate Bill 172 on utility fuel adjustment was taken from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, given first reading, and returned to committee. The remainder of the meeting featured extended remarks from a senator from Grayson focused on rural Kentucky, including ambulance access, healthcare delivery, economic decline, Medicaid costs, and the need for greater state investment in rural communities. No further votes were taken on those remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I don't know if you resources.
• Land and Natural Resources Land and Natural Resources >> and<00:39:51.040> people<00
• So, as of Land and Natural Resources.
• , transparent data, feasibility analysis, transparent data, feasibility analysis, and<01:25:02.560
• >> We we believe that there are resources >> We we believe that there are resources

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here as a resource witness.
• Any other questions, members, for this resource witness?
• And we do have some resource witnesses. Oh, yes, Dean Lopez.
• We do have, uh, uh, resource witnesses here.
• There has any other questions for this resource witness.

Bills: HCR7

Keywords: memorial, tribute, military service, community contribution, Texas legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Opportunities and experiences like this have been transformative in providing me practical resources
• Teachers across California are chronically overwhelmed and under-resourced.
• Griselda Chavez with the Mesa Verde group on behalf of the Central American Resource Center in support
• To address regional disparities in the short term the bill will inject resources.
• And sadly, our youth today does not have the resources required.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a resource witness if anyone needs it. Senator Blanco. 171 Thank you, members.
• If not, we only have a resource witness.
• That's a resource if needed. That's Sherry Layton.
• Having no questions, I see that there are two resource witnesses.
• Members, anybody needing a resource witness?

Bills: SB437, SB528, SB626, SB636, SB884, SB968, SB1044, SB1608, SB2336

Keywords: healthcare, training, abuse, neglect, penalties, chemical dependency, safety, regulation, inpatient competency restoration, competency restoration, forensic mental health, mental health law, criminal competency, incompetent to stand trial, Chapter 46B, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state hospital, behavioral health, local mental health authority

Transcript Highlights:

• There isn't a lot of information or dissemination of resources regarding what is available.
• many agencies and different providers such as school-based mental health centers, CCBHDS, family resource
• Of category with targeted interventions, there really are limited dedicated resources in the state or
• What kinds of resources they're already providing in the schools to meet behavioral health needs?
• I would say a step further is not just holding schools accountable, but giving them the resources so

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a resource witness from Kimball County Hospital, if you wish.
• Third, it will support better resource allocation.
• We do have resource witnesses available to answer any questions. With that, I close.
• And we have a resource witness from the OAG.
• We do have a resource witness. Do you have any questions for the resource witness?

Bills: SB208, SB628, SB777, SB1042, SB2354, SB2477, SB2521, SB2523, SB2608, SB2703, SB2778, SB2835, SB2965, SB2367, SB3044

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum at the start, adopted a two-minute limit for public testimony, and heard a series of housing, local government, fire code, and district-governance bills. Several measures were laid out with committee substitutes, including SB 628 on county fire code administration through interlocal agreements with emergency service districts; SB 208 creating a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund for zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders; SB 2835 allowing cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in certain cities. Other bills addressed ESD spending thresholds (SB 2778), hospital district updates (SB 1042), subdivision/platting issues (SB 1708), public housing tax credit eligibility (SB 2608), groundwater district representation for Marfa and Presidio (SB 3044), park board authority in Waller County (SB 2367), ETJ removal procedures (SB 2523), and reporting death certificates to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead issues (SB 2521). Testimony was largely supportive on the housing bills. Supporters of SB 208, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, Texans for Housing, and an educator, said the revolving fund would help nonprofit builders finance land, infrastructure, and development costs for affordable homes, especially for families earning 30% to 80% of area median income. SB 2835 drew support from architects, planners, and housing advocates who argued that single-stair buildings can be safe, more efficient, and better suited to missing-middle housing, though the Texas APA registered qualified opposition, saying the proposal bypasses the usual code-development process and may not be sufficiently studied. SB 2477 also received broad support from housing groups and policy organizations, who said office conversions could help address vacancy and housing shortages, though Corpus Christi raised a concern about fee recovery and local cost reimbursement. The committee also heard support for SB 628 from a county fire marshal and an ESD representative, who said the bill would reduce duplicate fire-code enforcement and costs. SB 2778 was backed by a Bexar County ESD fire chief, who said the current $2,000 expenditure approval threshold is outdated and slows emergency purchases and repairs. SB 2608 was supported by the El Paso housing authority, which said adding certain Section 8 projects to the at-risk LIHTC set-aside would help renovate aging subsidized housing. SB 3044 was presented as a way to give Marfa and Presidio representation on the groundwater district board while preserving permitting authority. Each bill heard public testimony was left pending subject to the call of the chair, and the committee recessed to reconvene after the Senate adjourns.

Transcript Highlights:

• For new developers and existing buildings, the scarcest resource is always the money for service dollars
• Housing, and so, we need a lot more resources all over to be able to build the full amount of housing
• It means higher prices at checkout and fewer resources for small businesses to grow, which then in turn
• I actually like the equity sharing component, which tries to give resources to those bases that have
• smaller regional tax bases and tries to give those resources versus out.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to that, several of these jurisdictions are under-resourced.
• In addition to that, several of these jurisdictions are under-resourced.
• away when they could be using those resources for something else.
• And we use that information for the reports to make critical decisions on resources and how to get resources
• Resources and how to get resources out.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s emergency alert and warning systems, especially in light of recent Southern California wildfires and the January 9 evacuation alert that was mistakenly sent to millions of residents. Opening remarks emphasized the loss of life, the strain on first responders, the importance of timely warnings, and concerns that public trust in alerts has been undermined by delays, confusion, and over-alerting. Members repeatedly raised questions about how to improve speed, accuracy, coordination across jurisdictions, and public understanding of the difference between evacuation warnings and orders. Cal OES staff described the state’s alert and warning framework, including SEMS, the State Warning Center, IPAWS, WEA, and EAS, and said local governments retain primary responsibility for issuing alerts because they know local roads, shelters, and hazards best. They said Cal OES supports local agencies with training, technical assistance, testing, and backup alerting help when requested, and that local alerting authorities must test their systems every 30 days and complete FEMA-required training. Members pressed Cal OES on gaps in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, the lack of a statewide unified system, compliance monitoring, redundancy for people without reliable technology, and whether the state should take a more active role. Cal OES said it could assist smaller jurisdictions and step in during emergencies, but that a statewide system would require further analysis and funding. Sheriff Eric Taylor of San Benito County emphasized that local control is essential because counties differ widely in structure, geography, and alerting responsibilities, and he described the challenges of rural areas, limited cell coverage, and multiple platforms such as Nixle, Reverse 911, and social media. Nick Russell of Watch Duty said the nonprofit fills gaps by providing fast, geospatially detailed wildfire information from volunteers and public data, and argued that context and redundancy are critical because official alerts often arrive too late or lack enough detail. Members praised Watch Duty’s usefulness and asked about incorporating similar capabilities into state systems. Public commenters also raised the need for broader redundancy, including earthquake-warning partnerships, and wildfire survivors urged the committee to address the confusing patchwork of alerts and to honor prior compensation commitments to PG&E fire survivors. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only and adjourned after member questions and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Data applicants repair down before wrecked by the Division of Historical Resources staff their findings
• just question and whether or not you have review the feasibility study, the environment to market analysis
• An expert analyze the latest victims case and provide a summary analysis prior to a permanent removal
• But I'm not complaining because I am a life is our most valuable resource and how we choose to spend

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the state adequate time and resource for the state to<00:14:26.480> make<00:14:26.639>
• It means higher prices at checkout and fewer resources for small businesses to grow, which then in turn
• prices at checkout and fewer resources prices at checkout and fewer resources for<00:16:18.560><
• And that's what this resources to do it. And that's what this bill<00:39:04.960> does.
• Um, treating the problems that social media create with the public health resources that they demand.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services. Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voters who might be homebound on limited resources, lacking adequate transportation, or due to an illness
• consolidating our elections, putting them in November will save approximately $500,000 in taxpayer resources
• The author's bill analysis does not even attempt to give a rationale for adding.
• The resources expended on such oversight would be far better used on statewide voter education efforts
• Does anybody wish to have a resource witness? All right, and then.

Transcript Highlights:

• For older voters who might be homebound, have limited resources, lack adequate transportation, or are
• consolidating our elections and putting them in November will save approximately $500,000 in taxpayer resources
• The author's bill analysis does not even attempt to give a rationale for adding Harris County alongside
• The resources expended on such oversight would be far better used on statewide voter education efforts
• Does anybody wish to have a resource witness? All right, here we go.

Bills: HB3097, HB3691, SB108, SB827, SB1541, SB1862, SB2166, SB2216

Keywords: Texas elections, Election Code, uniform election date, November election, local elections, political subdivisions, general election date, election administration, municipal utility district, county elections, local government, ballot scheduling, candidate filing, voter turnout, election calendar, HB 3097, early voting, electronic application, mail-in ballot, voting accessibility

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to work in Congress to provide top-down policies and resources that promote learning, allow for
• AJC's Translate Hate. is one such resource.
• Based on our analysis, the most acute threats against the Jewish community today stem from three main
• will ensure that vulnerable nonprofits, synagogues, churches, et cetera, will have the necessary resources
• Is there a real concern that this could very well take away resources from elderly?

Transcript Highlights:

• We've added statistics and data analysis, so the spreadsheet work that the sponsor alluded to can be
• addressed through that data analysis course that we now require in the rules.
• Let's try to put the energy and the resources into the quality of instruction that's happening in the
• We spent a lot of resources on that population.
• if you want to look into to a resource if you want to look into this. this. this.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• environment and natural resources. environment and natural resources.
• and the House research and fiscal analysis and the revisor's office.
• and the House research and fiscal analysis and the revisor's office.
• and the House research and fiscal analysis and the revisor's office.
• This is a resource that we depend on.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:55.080> thank natural resources thank natural resources thank you<00:31:57.360>
• Further, this professional would provide individual analysis of all aspects of the permitting process
• Further, this professional would provide individual analysis of all aspects of the permitting process
• Further, this professional would provide individual analysis of all aspects of the permitting process
• so I'm wondering how many FTE resources so I'm wondering how many FTE if<01:03:42.359> if<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, I was a young, low-income mother with dreams of advancing in life and very few resources.
• She said people come to the state because of those services and because the state resources them.
• He said people come to the state because of those services and because the state resources them.
• <01:29:41.600> them those services and we resource them those services and we resource them
• folks people benefit from the resources folks people benefit from the resources that<01:30:12.719

Bills: HF2582, HF2266, HF2518, HF2039, HF1941

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• example that was a collaboration between the Environment Department, Energy Minerals, and Natural Resources
• to give you the most efficient way to change the economic outcome for your community through that analysis
• to continue to invest in our people, giving them both the technology tools, but enough physical resources
• And we're not getting the resources in order to do that.
• They serve as the hub to connect individuals to local, state, and federal resources.

Keywords: 996, all