Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 717 establishes a process in which a local government Code Enforcement board or special magistrate
• If any local government finds enforcement too burdensome, they're not required to implement that.
• Representative, you're recognized to explain Amendment Bar Code 096789.
• They're governed by anchoring limitation areas that will only put this problem off for 45 days or 30
• Representative Gossett-Seidman: It removes outdated government restrictions on local governments from

Transcript Highlights:

• that it's not the state government that it's not the state government<00:10:32.000> is<00:10:
• 33.120> u government is u government is u um<00:10:36.560> not<00:10:36.880> involved
• <00:16:22.959> and funded by the federal government and funded by the federal government and
• There are medical codes.
• There are medical codes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's the government an advantage.
• will increase housing supply/government will increase housing supply/government regulations<03:49
• heard at every level of our government. heard at every level of our government.
• getting the government out of the way. getting the government out of the way.
• <08:54:09.360> imposed of the cost is government imposed of the cost is government imposed

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, God didn't give that directive and responsibility to government or to government schools.
• Now, God didn't give that directive and responsibility to government or to government schools.
• And I did it on my own without any government assistance. I don't want government assistance.
• And I did it on my own without any government assistance. I don't want government assistance.
• I would also ask you to look at state law and recognize that Government Code Chapter 552, Section 552.023

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this question of government silos goes a very long way. People come to government...
• You know, this question of government silos goes a very long way.
• People come to government seeking help.
• Government shouldn't be that complicated for people seeking help.
• And frankly, we think after 15 years of technological innovation, there's got to be some low-code, no-code

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:12.800> for well as the federal government for well as the federal government for ensuring
• It had to have its own code.
• It had to have its own code.
• <00:21:29.919> So, It had to have its own code right.
• So, It had to have its own code right.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the result of the one-time infusion of resources from the federal government, and that resource
• So that's not the same thing as causality, that could be correlative, but. error code: 520 Okay, let
• And they are coded as federal expenditures and state expenditures.
• I disagree with something that happened in the district, but it is not an Education Code violation.
• If 1,200. govern school systems.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, these are just basically codes that are established by the federal government, and I hope that helps
• Payments to, say, school districts or local governments as well. So, Mr.
• I'm just wondering where I see a plan for saving money so that the government always has funds.
• If we do well economically, the federal government will say, "That's great.
• The federal government is paying 90% of those. So, that backdrop of how to.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order. Clerk Jared will call the roll.
• substantial compliance provision for notice requirements, which is Section 395.07A of the Local Government
• Code.
• Code.
• With no other business to come before the Local Government Committee, the committee will stand in recess

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, mostly advancing them to the full Senate. Senate Bills 1079, 1243, 1504, 1851, 1879, and 2237 were each reported favorably with recommendations to do pass and be printed, and then placed on the local and uncontested calendars without objection. Senate Bill 1504 and the other uncontested measures passed by unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes. The committee also considered Senate Bill 1921 and Senate Bill 1883 with committee substitutes. For SB 1921, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill to the Senate with a recommendation that the original bill not pass but the substitute do pass and be printed; it was then sent to the local and uncontested calendar. For SB 1883, members adopted a substitute that would require independent audits of impact fees, allow the Attorney General to sue on behalf of property owners challenging impact fees, provide for refunds, and repeal a substantial-compliance notice provision in the Local Government Code. That substitute was reported favorably, with one nay recorded. No other business was raised, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Case closure codes on spreadsheets did not always match the codes found in case files, and some closure
• Case closure codes on inaccurate.
• found in case files, and some codes found in case files, and some closure<00:09:43.680> codes
• investigator manual to reflect all codes investigator manual to reflect all codes in<00:10:12.320
• Um so my question government.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to hear the Legislative Budget Assistant Office’s performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Auditors said the commission was inefficient and ineffective in investigating discrimination complaints and closing cases in a timely manner during fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The report contained 25 observations; the commission fully concurred with 24 and concurred in part with one. Auditors highlighted major problems with case processing delays, inaccurate case data, lack of a case management system, weak strategic planning and risk assessment, outdated and disorganized policies, confidentiality issues, expired administrative rules, fee-setting practices, incomplete financial-interest filings, and failure to complete required reports and reconciliations. Two recommendations, involving complaint screening and conciliation, may require legislative action. Several observations focused on the commission’s intake and investigation practices. Auditors said complaints may have been screened out before docketing, potentially preventing commissioner review required by statute, and that the investigation process lacked clear rules and guidance. They also found investigators were assigned non-investigative tasks, training was inadequate, interview requirements were unclear, supervisory duties were burdensome, and confidential information was not always protected by encrypted email. The audit recommended clearer administrative rules, better internal controls, more focused staffing, a supervisory investigator position, and improved training and documentation. Commission representatives said they had already made progress on several items since the audit began, including posting overdue biennial reports and moving toward a case management system expected to go live in June. They said they were working with EEOC counterparts and legal counsel, but emphasized staffing shortages and high turnover, noting the commission currently had nine people working out of 15 authorized positions, with three investigator vacancies and a vacant paralegal position. Committee members thanked the auditors and commission staff, discussed the history of the audit request, and raised concerns about how long the recommended corrective actions might take. The committee took no vote or formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was before I got there, but then we get zero dollars from our local government.
• This was before I got there, but then we get zero dollars from our local government.
• This was before I got there, but then we get zero dollars from our local government.
• > money<00:30:21.760> and<00:30:22.080> a government gives some money and a government
• Uh, it is—I understand that local governments and city governments have a hard time in rural areas paying

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• problem is that under our existing law and the federal law, they say they're section 230 in the federal code
• Um, the term is defined in section 12-25-32, Code of Alabama 1975, would change to if a defendant is
• an illegal alien and charged with an offense enumerated under section 15-13-3, Code of Alabama 1975,
• Go forward. defined in section 122532, code of defined in section 122532, code of Alabama<00:39:13.680
• of Alabama 1975, the defendant code of Alabama 1975, the defendant shall<00:39:26.800> be<00:

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:30.160> section<00:10:30.399> that some language in their code section that
• some language in their code section that gives<00:10:30.880> them<00:10:31.040> leeway<
• section of the code?
• The federal government will continue to fund your SNAP program 100%.
• <00:49:47.599> for vendors called uh Westat and Code for vendors called uh Westat and Code

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3, a certificate-of-need measure that had passed last year but was vetoed by the governor because of one objectionable provision. The chair explained that the House had just passed the bill unanimously and urged quick Senate action so it could be sent to the governor again. He said the bill is intended to restore the prior law, with the main policy focus on rural hospitals and other future certificate-of-need changes. A question was raised about language affecting the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s academic exemption; the chair said the intent was to preserve the teaching hospital’s core exemption around its main campus while requiring certificate-of-need review for facilities it operates elsewhere, and the committee then voted title sufficient, due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2476, requested by the Board of Pharmacy. Senator Hill explained that it would let licensed pharmacists self-report substance abuse or mental health issues and enter treatment before disciplinary action, similar to programs already available for nurses and with comparable provisions for physicians and dentists. Board representatives said participants would have to stop practicing until cleared, and that failure to comply would trigger discipline; the bill was described as an alternative to professional discipline, not immunity from criminal law. After questions about definitions and how many times a person could use the program, the committee voted title sufficient, due pass. The meeting concluded with an informational presentation from Mr. Anderson on child care funding and program operations. He said the state used ARPA funds during the pandemic to support child care certificates and providers, but those funds were exhausted, leading to a pause and a waiting list of about 20,000 families; the program currently serves about 18,000 children. He said the department is continuing $15 million in state support, is converting 30% of the TANF state assistance grant to child care, and is exploring additional TANF direct-assistance options, though cautiously because the state has not done that before. He also discussed child care tax credits, employer-based child care, and efforts to expand capacity through provider support and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• . for local governments to implement what's going to happen with offshore wind.
• Implementation, helping with exploration for local governments that just don't have the resources.
• Irvine where we put in $300,000, which drew a $3 million investment from the federal government.
• As the Water Code is written today, it would potentially limit the ability...
• Manual, the public contracts code, that those would still apply.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we also put out 19,000 postcards to the zip codes that lived in the Lower Snake River area.
• The purpose is to look at alternative ways that local governments can fund sidewalk, both maintenance
• Practices vary from local government to local government, but generally it depends on the scale of the
• Yeah, the development codes really vary from municipality to municipality.
• And I plead with you, please do not forget about your local government partners.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also temporarily appointing Senator Mesnard to the Committee on Government for Wednesday, February
• I'm also temporarily appointing Senator Mesnard to the Committee on Government for Wednesday, February
• President, your Committee on Government, having had under consideration SB 1002 relating to SNAP/TANF
• Revenue Code deductions. Mr. Majority Leader, please make the motion to substitute. Thank you, Mr.
• The fact remains that this is not only conformity with the federal government, it's conformity with her

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Charter Governing Board has to approve the debt. like an ISD governing board has to approve the debt
• So we are trying to get all of the controls and governance right up front.
• One item on governance, I won't spend much time on it, but we have.
• has repealed the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset.
• It applies to codes 41 and 42.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This question of government silos goes a very long way.
• People come to government seeking help; they don't come to government because they enjoy going to six
• Government shouldn't be that complicated for people seeking help.
• and non-profit providers of those services can be in the same service code.
• So we are, of course, grateful to the federal government across numbers of fronts.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also defines reclaimed water in the code, and I will move the adoption of...
• So local government could make it 1%, 2%, 1.5%, whatever they want, up to 3.5%.
• But one thing that's being missed: government doesn't have the answers.
• It requires contractors on local government contracts to notify the local government about the use of
• It requires contractors on local government contracts to notify the local government about the use of

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, the references on line 5 refer to the most current International Energy Conservation Code.
• Many of us are not really happy with the federal government right now and what they're doing.
• By investing $10 million to build capacity at the local level, SB 83 would support tribal governments
• So, you may not sell that water to the United States government.
• And my question is this: can the United States government own water rights in New Mexico?