Transcript Highlights:

• of a particular type of generation.
• </c> private developer of a gen of generation private developer of a gen of generation um<00:29:58.640
• Uh, in terms of future generation, I...
• of getting some generation?
• So instead of getting some generation?

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions of General Counsel? Well, we have Mr. Gates present.
• Chair: section 255.003 of the election code. Assistant General Counsel Carmen, thank you.
• Deputy General Counsel: The affidavit or request for a waiver was filed in October of 2025.
• General Counsel: This is an informational item for all of you.
• General Counsel: We can use the gym. So can all of you. Commissioner: Okay, well, maybe.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission at 1.1% of State General Fund.
• The State General Fund of 21.3, you'll see the largest decreases come in the Division General Fund of
• Fees and self-generated at 6.9% of the total means of financing.
• Having an office of the inspector general at more of the local governments.
• In terms of means of finance, state general fund at $43.1 million is 59.4% of total means of finance,

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• General and Arizona. ...rule of law and preserve public confidence in the Office of the Attorney General
• the words of the Attorney General.
• I stand in support of our attention. I stand in support of our Attorney General, Chris Mace.
• The inaccuracies are in the statements of the Attorney General.
• The Attorney General of Arizona is the chief legal officer, and one of her chief responsibilities is

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items recorded in the transcript. The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which was converted from a concurrent resolution to a Senate resolution and brought forward under a suspension of rules. The resolution condemned Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract, clarify, and resign. Senators debated whether the resolution was a necessary public safety response or a politically motivated stunt, with supporters arguing Mays’ remarks endangered officers and opponents saying the resolution misquoted her and was being rushed without committee review or public input. A floor amendment was adopted, and after extended debate the Senate passed SR 1036 on a 17-13 vote. After the resolution vote, the Senate briefly returned to personal privileges, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education, and then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026. The transcript does not show any other bill final actions beyond the SR 1036 vote and the routine referral and reporting of other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• General of the State of Vermont.
• </c> position of agent general. position of agent general.
• as the agent general of Brent Ziggler as the agent general of Vermont.<00:18:43.760><c> Although</c>
• There of agitant and inspector general.
• </c> the next generation of Vermoners. the next generation of Vermoners.

Transcript Highlights:

• General and Arizona. ...rule of law and preserve public confidence in the Office of the Attorney General
• the words of the Attorney General.
• Now let's get to the comments of Kristen Mays, our unesteemed Attorney General, one of the most corrupt
• The Attorney General of Arizona is the chief... ICE.
• The Attorney General of Arizona is the chief legal officer, and one of her chief responsibilities is

Transcript Highlights:

• It sees that there is a loss of some amount of generation. less of an opportunity, I think, for market
• In its current form, SB 6 is the product of a lot of stakeholder input and generally co-ops align with
• Generators to run in times of emergencies.
• LS Power is an owner, operator, and developer of more than 50,000 megawatts of competitive generation
• Support the development of new dispatchable generation.

Bills: SB6 , SB11 , SB33

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• generation, and it was the third iteration of that study commission.
• </c><00:35:58.079><c> study</c> generated in the 16 hours of study generated in the 16 hours of study
• They used to be when they were old power generation, but in our statutes we never got rid of the fact
• megawatts of power generation capability.
• access to the information regarding the business operations of the generators.

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 302, which would allow the state treasurer to invest public funds in precious metals and digital assets. The sponsor was not present, so Representative Urs introduced the bill briefly and said he did not know much about it. No one from the Treasury Department testified, and members repeatedly noted the treasurer’s absence. Susan Elme testified against the bill, arguing that these investments are highly volatile and contrary to the treasury’s duty to remain stable and liquid. She said the bill should be killed. In questioning, she estimated the 5% cap in the bill would amount to roughly $10 million, depending on available funds, and said such investing would be more appropriate for an individual day trader than for the state treasury. Members also discussed prior legislative experience with Bitcoin-related proposals and raised concerns about whether the treasury had the staff expertise to manage commodity or digital asset investing. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, it agreed to hold a work session and seek additional information from the treasurer, with a plan to revisit the bill on April 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• out of the general fund anymore.
• out of the general fund anymore.
• the general fund or out of this new fund, of course, under the purview of what we decide to do in the
• </c><00:23:47.760><c> a</c> to the general fund of about 50,000 a to the general fund of about 50,000
• > of</c><00:27:43.279><c> general</c><00:27:43.520><c> fund</c> fund and postings of general fund fund

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• and $24.3 million of state general fund.
• Tax Commission at 1.1% of State General Fund.
• Fees and self-generated funds are 6.9% of the total means of financing.
• Fees and self-generated at 6.9% of the total means of financing.
• In terms of means of finance, state general fund at $43.1 million is 59.4% of total means of finance,

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee began a series of House Appropriations budget hearings focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 executive budget, the preamble, and the executive department. Staff presented revenue and spending trends showing projected declines in revenues alongside increasing expenditures, with members emphasizing the need for a standstill budget and additional efficiencies. The House Fiscal Division also reviewed the FY25 surplus and FY26 excess, the constitutional uses of surplus funds, and the overall FY27 budget structure, including the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The commissioner of administration described the administration’s use of one-time money, efficiency reviews, and budget reductions, while members asked about revenue forecasts, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication, corporate tax changes, and the impact of federal policy changes on state costs, especially SNAP and Medicaid administration. The committee then moved through several executive department agencies. The Division of Administration presentation covered its budget, vacancies, debt service, and reductions tied to statewide adjustments and efficiency measures. GOSEP’s functions were described as transferred into the Department of Military Affairs under Act 262 of 2025, and military officials outlined the new combined structure, emergency response duties, overseas deployments, youth programs, and concerns about future federal funding. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reviewed its largely dedicated funding and explained that large apparent balances reflect long-term project planning and multi-year capital work. The Office of the State Inspector General presented a budget increase for consulting services tied to the governor’s DOGE-style efficiency initiative, and the inspector general said the effort had identified nearly $1 billion in savings across the executive branch, largely through eligibility reviews in Medicaid and SNAP and implementation of prior audit recommendations. Members raised questions throughout about how budget figures were calculated, why some totals appeared to rise while state general fund support fell, and how federal changes would affect state agencies. There were also questions about the transition of GOSEP into Military Affairs, the status of school safety centers, and whether the new structure would change local emergency responsibilities. No formal votes or amendments were taken during the portion provided; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations, and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deputy Attorney General Jordan Shing on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General who offers comments
• on the backs of a 70-plus-year-old generator?
• We're just saying part of HEO needs to focus on generation.
• </c> generators and lots of money to upgrade generators and lots of money to upgrade grids<01:06:30.319
• Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Wah Pulk, on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General, our department

Bills: SB3326 , SB2911

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committees heard SB 3001 on artificial intelligence in a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Labor and Technology hearing. Testimony included support from the Department of Education and Google, comments from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office, and late opposition from Agentic LLC. The Attorney General raised constitutional and vagueness concerns and suggested clarifying amendments, while Google said the bill’s risk-based approach and proposed amendments could help establish industry-wide safety standards for minors. The committees recessed and then voted to pass SB 3001 with amendments, adopting DCCA/OCP recommendations on data minimization for minors and UDAP clarity, the Attorney General’s proposed clarifications and deletions, and Google’s nonconflicting amendments; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. The vote passed unanimously among members present, with some members excused. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then took up several previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2045 on combat sports passed with amendments reflecting DCCA and boxing commission recommendations, including clarifying the on-site medical professional requirement, reporting duties, promoter payment, removal of the combat sports registry and ambulance requirement, and other technical changes; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. SP 2347 on the residential landlord-tenant code passed with amendments striking landlord requirements so OCP could work on a multilingual tenant-rights notice, and SP 2495 on consumer protection passed with amendments requiring OCP to publish an annual report on potential code violations. SB 2777 on insurance was deferred to February 17, 2026 for further decision-making. At a later CPN decision-making agenda, SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons, passed with amendments clarifying the preamble, removing language about foreign artificial persons, and making other consistency and non-substantive changes; both effective dates were moved to January 1, 2027. SP 2033 on renewable energy also passed with amendments clarifying the definition of grid-ready homes, cost-sharing provisions, applicability to interconnecting customers, and safety/certification compliance, with the effective date deferred to July 1, 2050. In each case, the committee voted to adopt the recommendations without objections from members present. The committees also heard SB 3000 on insurance, which would authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover costs and losses tied to climate-attributable harm and future climate risk, including costs incurred by state insurance-related entities. The Insurance Division and Attorney General’s office offered comments seeking clarification and warning about redundancy, implementation issues, possible representation of private insurers, and concurrent litigation concerns. Supporters, including the Center for Climate Integrity, a resident testifier, Sierra Club, and Green America, argued the bill would help shift insurance costs to fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms and address rising premiums and nonrenewals in Hawaii. Opponents, including the American Petroleum Institute, argued the bill singled out one industry, raised constitutional concerns, and should be deferred because related climate litigation is already pending. The transcript ends with the committee continuing testimony and discussion on SB 3000 and then moving into SB 3326 on energy, where the consumer advocate and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s proposed separation of generation from transmission and distribution, while the PUC stood on written testimony, Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported it, and Life of the Land raised concerns about assumptions and the need for more substance.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of future generation will be needed in that.
• Many of these large loads are coming with backup generation.
• It's a general concern about the cost of this transmission.
• I mean, there's 30 gigawatts of dispatchable generation in the interconnection queue, and most of it
• that is being utilized, how much of that is being used. generators, how many of those were private equity

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• > position</c> review of the agent general position review of the agent general position every<00:24:
• c> like</c> general uh after a period of time like general uh after a period of time like all<00:27:10.720
• </c> age of an ex of an agent general from 65 age of an ex of an agent general from 65 to<00:45:12.240
• So and one of them is an agent general.
• </c> of lieutenant colonel, colonel, general of lieutenant colonel, colonel, general officer.<01:32:11.199

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• of Chapter 66 of the General Laws, hereinafter it refers... ...to extend application of Chapter 66 of
• staff of the General Court pursuant to Part 1, Article 21 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the
• of the Commonwealth... ...made by the General Court concerning the management and maintenance of its
• staff of the General Court pursuant to Part 1, Article 21 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the
• and the Attorney General, violate Part 1, Article 30 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth?

Summary: The Senate began with ceremonial items, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a welcome to Tri-County High School’s championship football and boys’ cross-country teams. The chamber then adopted a resolution commending the town of Auburn and the Robert and Esther Goddard Centennial Committee for recognizing the 100th anniversary of the first liquid-fueled rocket launch. Several local bills were taken up and passed to be enacted, including measures authorizing payment by the City of Revere, adjusting the senior property tax deferral income threshold in Wellesley, amending the Hopedinton charter regarding library trustee appointment powers, and later engrossing bills affecting the Cotuit Fire District, the Salem licensing board, and validating Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer House petitions to committees and, on committee recommendation, advanced two Cotuit Fire District bills to third reading and engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on two Senate orders seeking advisory opinions from the Supreme Judicial Court on pending initiative petitions. One order concerned a public records initiative that would extend public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s office; the other concerned a legislative stipends initiative that would alter internal legislative procedures and compensation rules. Senator Feeney spoke in support of both orders, saying they were meant to inform the committee’s work and were not votes on the merits of the ballot questions. Both orders were adopted without objection. The Senate also received a Ways and Means report on a bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet sharks, with a new draft and amendment pending, and adopted an order placing the bill on the Orders of the Day for second reading on March 19, 2026. The session concluded with an order to adjourn to Monday at 11 a.m., which was adopted, and the Senate adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we are here for the confirmation hearing of John Connolly for the position of Adjutant General
• However, the general—I can't remember what rank you said, but I assume it's a general—the general of
• That's not the role of the adjutant general.
• That's the role of the adjutant general, always has been the role of the adjutant general for 250 years
• of General John Conley to be the director of the Department of DEMA, we'll just shorten it, and the

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the funding also is outside of the general fund for general fund appropriations and spending
• A lot of the funding also is outside of the general fund for general fund appropriations and spending
• :10:07.920><c> for</c> outside of the general fund um for for outside of the general fund um for for
• ><00:10:47.839><c> of</c><00:10:48.399><c> Highway</c> general sense of the flow of Highway general sense
• ><c> the</c><00:23:11.720><c> state</c> form of General obligation of the state form of General obligation

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that Assembly Bill 494 be taken from its place on General File and be placed at the top of General
• Chief Clerk's desk and be placed at the top of general file for the purposes of amendment.
• at the top of general file for the purposes of amendment.
• of General File for the purposes of amendment.
• General File of the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:28.959><c> of</c> believe that for a power generator of believe that for a power generator
• <00:14:12.320><c> locality</c> generator of this size the locality generator of this size the locality
• would</c> generators of generators by lgus would generators of generators by lgus would allow<00:25:08.919
• /c> from backup generators were only 7% of from backup generators were only 7% of allowed<00:41:27.440
• the data centers or of the the impact of the data centers or of the backup<01:07:21.960><c> generators

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:53:07.920><c> generators</c> unequal treatment of generators unequal treatment of generators
• ><c> the</c><00:55:35.280><c> load</c> of the electricity generation, the load of the electricity generation
• of generation. >> Mr.
• of that lack of all those states because of that lack of generation.
• <c> the</c> the business of power generation in the the business of power generation in the state<02:

Committee: Joint Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, $30 million of that was dedicated general maintenance pool.
• </c><00:08:35.839><c> failed</c> Have any of the generators failed Have any of the generators failed
• Is there a life of the new generators?
• as often, obviously the life cycle of the generator is long.
• as often, obviously the life cycle of the generator is long.

Summary: The committee met for its fourth budget subreview session focused on personnel, public retirements, and finance. Members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then heard from Finance Cabinet staff on two main items: a $7.5 million request related to generator systems and a sheriff’s fees budget request. The generator request was described as a preventive, life-cycle replacement and capacity-enhancement effort for 26 generators serving Frankfort-area state buildings, intended to protect continuity of government and expand beyond basic emergency power to support continuity of services. Members asked detailed questions about how many generators would be replaced, the cost per unit, the scope of the study, and whether the work could be phased. Staff said the $7.5 million would cover a full evaluation and any resulting engineering/replacement work, but the exact number of replacements was not yet known. They estimated the initial study would cost about $500,000 to $750,000, would take six to nine months once funded, and would produce building-by-building recommendations. Staff also said typical generator life cycles vary widely, often around 15 to 20 years but sometimes longer depending on run hours and usage. The committee then reviewed sheriff’s fees, with the Division of Local Government explaining that the state reimburses counties for several statutory sheriff-related costs, especially court security, which accounts for more than 90% of the claims. Staff said the current budget base is about $20 million, while actual spending has been running above $23 million, leading to a $3.5 million growth request to align the base with projected spending and reduce the need for non-general fund expenditure (NGE) adjustments. Members asked about claim volume, county participation, reimbursement controls, and whether the request reflected growth or underfunding; staff said all 120 counties submit claims, volumes have been fairly steady, and reimbursements are governed by statute and signed monthly certifications. No votes were taken on the requests, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.