Transcript Highlights:

• LaGoree from Legislative District 5.
• Do I like more legislation? Absolutely not.
• Vice Chair, the request to speak. Mr.
• Vice Chair, any additional requests to speak? Our final request is Blake Lister.
• Vice Chair any additional request to speak our final request is Blake Lister Mr.

Bills: HB2780, HB4029, HB4030, HCR2052

Keywords: judicial foreclosure, tax lien, redemption rights, excess proceeds, property auction, income tax, federal tax conformity, revenue analysis, legislative session, tax reporting, municipal fees, county fees, utility rates, moratorium, tax classification, local government, inflation, economic stability, tax increases, cost-of-living protection

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Senator Hall asked you, what was the purpose of the legislation?
• We therefore request that you oppose HB 3385, and we greatly appreciate the time.
• And as you know, when you pass legislation, the details...
• Charlie Ginn, Vice President of TTLA Legislative Affairs.
• I respectfully request your support for HB 3053. Senator Hall.

Bills: HB223

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• posting the personal information of these at-risk individuals if the individual submits a written request
• Thank you, Louis, and certainly Judge Kosurik for their leadership in passing this legislation and other
• And yet they courageously came to the legislature time and time again to testify for this legislation
• Yes, Madam Dean, I request to change... Is there any objection to the motion by the Dean?

Bills: HB223

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This may be more appropriate for you, Mr. Chairman.
• Reclassified 7 million in excess funds and appropriations to put back into those hospitals.
• Look, ultimately, the appropriations team files bills and negotiates with the Senate.
• SB1134 is a piece of legislation.
• This 'super Trump' bill appropriates up to $21 This bill appropriates $21,640,009.1 million in interest

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142, HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, welcome to the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget.
• Appropriate time, we have due passed by the vice chair, seconded by the chair.
• This is a new and a new appropriation.
• This does four different appropriations.
• It's all spent by the appropriate time. That type of stuff to avoid clawbacks.

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, welcome to the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget.
• Members, welcome to the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget.
• So legislation that I've determined by seeking counsel to this, that it is allowable. ...to legislation
• ...the right-to-work piece of legislation.
• This does four different appropriations. First of all, this appropriates ARPA administrative funds.

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Summary: The Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget met and first took up House Bill 4063, adopting a committee substitute over objection by a 17-4 roll call vote. The bill, as explained by the Pro Tem, moves the election dates for House Bill 4440 and Joint Resolution 1024 to August 25, 2026. Members debated whether the measure violated the single-subject rule or was an attempt to revisit proposals that had previously failed, but the committee advanced it and it passed 16-6 after debate. The committee then considered a series of appropriations and reappropriations, largely involving ARPA and interest funds. These included Senate Bills 1130 through 1134 and 1142, which redirected funds to the University Hospital Authority and Trust, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the State Department of Health for rural hospital rebuild efforts, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Griffin Memorial Hospital capacity, and DHS-related projects including Boys & Girls Club and YWCA funding. All of these bills passed, with most receiving broad support and only a few dissenting votes. Members also advanced several House bills: HB 4029 appropriated funds to the State Department of Health and the ALS fund; HB 4074 gave the Health Care Workforce Training Commission flexibility to close out ARPA projects and transfer funds among nursing-related programs; HB 4075 reappropriated water and wastewater funds within OWRB; HB 476 provided rural economic impact grant funding for water, wastewater, sewer, air park, industrial park, and broadband-related projects; HB 477 funded emergency response and relief grants with standard administrative language; HB 478 covered ARPA closeout costs for consultants and the grants management office; HB 428 extended a qualified equity investment tax deduction sunset; and HB 473 and HB 4073 pulled back ARPA funds for reappropriation and closeout. Most measures passed on strong roll-call votes, and the committee adjourned after HB 4073 passed 21-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and this may be more appropriate for you, Mr. Chairman.
• And this was what was negotiated to have these two in one piece of legislation?
• House Bill 4029 merely limits the appropriations in which we gave... ...merely limits the appropriations
• SB 1130 is a piece of legislation that re-appropriates certain ARPA monies to ensure the state of Oklahoma
• SB 1134 is a piece of legislation that appropriates money to OSUMA. ...a piece of legislation that appropriates

Bills: HB4028, HB4029, HB4059, HB4063, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1142

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Summary: The committee considered a series of bills largely focused on reappropriating and closing out ARPA-related funds, transferring interest earnings, and filling funding gaps in existing state projects. Measures included funding for the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, juvenile services in Rogers County, rural hospital rebuild projects, DHS-related projects for Boys and Girls Clubs and the YWCA, water and wastewater projects through the OWRB, ALS grant limits for OSDH, pandemic relief accounting, administrative costs for ARPA projects, pediatric cardiology and OSU-related projects, rural industrial park and port water/wastewater gaps, and emergency response grants through the Department of Emergency Management. Most of these bills were presented by Rep. Newton, Chairman Caldwell, Speaker Hilbert, Rep. Osborne, Rep. Hill, and others, with committee substitutes adopted without objection where noted. One bill, House Bill 4028, drew the most discussion. It would extend the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments. Members questioned the lack of program-specific evaluation data, including return on investment, jobs created, and how much of the tax deduction had actually been used. The sponsor said the program had helped grow Oklahoma venture capital and that he would seek better data, but argued the sunset should be extended for now. The bill passed 23-6. Another extended exchange centered on House Bill 4063, which combined measures related to placing state questions on the August ballot, including HJR 1024 and a bill tied to House Bill 1440. Members raised concerns about single-subject issues, ballot timing, voter turnout, and whether combining the measures limited legislators’ options. The Speaker defended the approach as election-related and noted prior precedent. The bill passed 23-6. The remaining bills were approved overwhelmingly, generally by votes of 27-0, 28-0, or 29-0, and were reported out with due pass recommendations before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You are in the Committee on Appropriations, and today is Wednesday, April 1st.
• This piece of legislation is very important because, as Representative Brass mentioned, Very important
• only those who are... ...to boards and commissions only, not the legislative process, and it's only
• And at the appropriate time, Mr. Chairman, I'd like to move favorably as amended. Thank you.
• So, reading this and just understanding, this seems like the legislation that Senator Sharon.

Bills: HB4, HB206, HB244, HB270, HB361, HB459, HB486, HB540, HB615, HB627, HB648, HB813, HB996

Keywords: constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, legislative attendance, task force, executive meetings, public meetings, confirmation process, delegates, state election, ratification, Louisiana, absentee voting, incarcerated voters, voter registration, mail-in voting, election rights, felony conviction

Transcript Highlights:

• So uh with that, we got appropriately.
• I'm unclear as of yet if there was a roll call that was requested. There was a roll call requested.
• I'm unclear as of yet if there was a roll call that was requested. There was a roll call requested.
• I'm unclear as of yet if there was a roll call that was requested. There was a roll call requested.
• </c> know if it's appropriate or not. know if it's appropriate or not.

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• So, everyone knows what the requests.
• </c><00:03:41.599><c> The</c> request before we start digging. The request before we start digging.
• </c> ensures privacy is appropriately ensures privacy is appropriately protected.<00:09:45.519><c> So
• <c> is</c><00:13:25.040><c> passed,</c> So when this legislation is passed, So when this legislation
• </c> it's in a blank appropriation in here. it's in a blank appropriation in here.

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that like, you know, is that how we define it in other pieces of legislation?

Bills: SB279, HB478, SB279, HB478

Keywords: Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building, historic preservation, state property, inventory removal, fixtures, furnishings, reuse, recycling, upcycling, surplus property, public assets, legislative chambers, desk sale, chair sale, state auditor

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:03:45.160><c> and</c> fiscal note has been requested, and fiscal note has been requested, and
• <00:16:20.040><c> of</c><00:16:20.560><c> 187,000,</c> appropriation of 187,000, appropriation of 187,000
• So this would allow part of the appropriation that was originally appropriated to be used for admin,
• </c> appropriations bill, a governor's bill. appropriations bill, a governor's bill.
• Legislator Wire: Aye. Legislator Runadal: No. Representative Boner: Yes.

Bills: HF4401, HF4466

Keywords: HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a fiscal note has been requested. a fiscal note has been requested.
• </c> Um, both for agencies and Legislative Um, both for agencies and Legislative Budget<00:57:08.440>
• </c> agency did not bulk at your requests. agency did not bulk at your requests.
• I'm just wondering legislation.
• </c> note's been requested on this bill. note's been requested on this bill.

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• of legislative privilege.
• of legislative privilege.
• legislative record protection.
• I don't have a request for individual emails from legislators' offices in my audit or today.
• This is a legislative body.

Bills: H5004

Keywords: public records, public records law, transparency, open government, government accountability, legislature, general court, governor's office, executive records, legislative records, constituent communications, policy drafts, deliberative process, freedom of information, FOIA, records access, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Chapter 4, veterans services records, initiative petition

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-14, H 5-004, “an act to improve access to public records.” Chairs Cindy Friedman and Alice Peisch outlined the Article 48 process and explained that the committee was hearing expert testimony, then proponents, then opponents, before any public testimony. The first expert, Will Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures, gave a general overview of public records laws across the states, emphasizing that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions, timelines, fees, and coverage of legislatures vary widely. He discussed legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on the exact language of state constitutions, statutes, and chamber rules. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, testified about Massachusetts public records administration, saying requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with state agency requests increasing from 22,572 in 2017 to 47,776 in 2025 and appeals reaching a record 4,051 cases in 2025. She said the initiative would extend the law to the General Court and the Governor’s office and add exemptions for those branches, while warning that the volume and complexity of requests could require more resources. The proponents, led by Jesse Littlewood of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, Scotia Hila of Act on Mass, and Auditor Diana DiZoglio, argued that Massachusetts is an outlier for exempting the legislature and governor from public records law and that the proposal would create needed accountability without exposing personal constituent communications or internal deliberations. They said the measure would make records such as committee votes, final bill drafts, amendments, expenditures, attendance records, minutes, and public testimony available, while preserving exemptions for constituent services, draft legislation, internal staff communications, and policy development discussions. DiZoglio emphasized that the initiative is aimed at basic administrative and financial records, citing her own difficulty obtaining receipts, contracts, and procurement documents, and said the public should be able to see how taxpayer dollars are spent. Committee members questioned the witnesses extensively about the scope of exemptions, constituent privacy, legislative privilege, and whether the measure could reach communications with nonprofits or lobbying-type interactions; proponents responded that privacy and constituent-service exemptions were intended to remain in place, though some members pressed for clearer statutory language. The hearing also included a contentious exchange over whether the initiative could affect legislative communications and whether the Senate had already taken a position against the measure. Some members raised concerns about separation of powers, legislative privilege, and the possibility of exposing constituent communications or internal deliberations, while proponents argued that the initiative was narrowly tailored and that any legal disputes could be resolved in court. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing. The committee concluded the testimony portion after hearing from the proponents and their questions, with the matter left pending for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Age-appropriate monitoring is essential for the health and well-being of our young people.
• Natalie Faustle with Accel in Action, and we are here to say that we want you to support this great legislation
• We are here to say that we want you to support this great legislation.
• We were proud supporters of the legislation last year and are very excited to see the improved language
• We could or will define some of these things further in rule after the legislation is passed.

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want to tie our court's hands to be able to respond appropriately.
• This legislation is one that we, of course, support.
• There was very little need for that legislation.
• This legislation is taking a proactive step to prevent that intimidation.
• County clerks, are they in support of your legislation? Do you know? Mr.

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2364 relates to the Legislative Executive Poverty Reduction Task Force.
• The bill creates a foster And other appropriate persons or entities.
• It just says, I'm writing to share a legislative proposal.
• I'm asking for your support in reviewing and sponsoring this legislation.
• That means more than legislation. It means shifting culture.

Bills: HB2429, HB2171, HB2314, HB2364, HB2415

Keywords: behavioral health, youth support, mental health services, children's health, support services, foster youth, child welfare, education, mental health, dental care, habilitation centers, residential services, healthcare access, patient rights, poverty, task force, legislative, executive, social programs, fatalities

Transcript Highlights:

• During the period beginning of the date of the special legislative session convenes and continue through
• the date of final adjournment of the special legislative session.
• The uh and these special sessions have repeatedly turned into many legislative sessions.
• Very little public awareness of this kind of legislation.
• The judicial branch really is a is a is not involved in our actions here to make legislation.

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is a cleanup bill that was requested by the Texas Workforce Commission.
• Consideration and respectfully request the passage of Senate Bill 2603. Thank you.
• Legislation coming at some point in time that might make this a little firmer.
• I was part of the effort to pass the legislation in the last session.
• Or should we limit who can submit an information request for something like this?

Bills: HB1397, HB1893, HB1950, HB2027, HB2791, HB3698, HB3699, HB3700, SB2603, SB2607, SB2565

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, HB 1893, Texas public information law, Public Information Act, Government Code 552.130, Transportation Code Chapter 730, license plate number, vehicle registration, law enforcement video, police body camera, dashcam, redaction, public records request, open records, government transparency, privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor initiates the legislation before the legislative violation...
• So the governor initiates the legislation before the legislative bodies to remove this judge?
• And the legislative auditor has the same ability.
• I will get with a legislative auditor because generally we don't duplicate what the legislative auditor
• With a legislative auditor, because generally we don't duplicate what the legislative auditor does.

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

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