Transcript Highlights:

• I call on my colleagues to support both nominations. as well as the legislation we're considering today
• I'm proud today to advance the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, which I introduced along with Senator
• bills on the agenda are ones the committee considered in the last Congress so I'm very pleased to support
• And Senators Cruz and Peters co-sponsored the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, which enables NASA
• modified s-433 the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act s-582 the Astronaut Ground Travel Support

Bills: SB244, SB28, SB289, SB323, SB389, SB414, SB428, SB433, SB582, SB613, SB759, SB792, SB841, SB843, SB97

Keywords: national security, cybersecurity, consumer technology, routers, modems, study, communication, consumer protection, smart devices, transparency, internet-connected devices, FTC enforcement, broadband, infrastructure, federal programs, internet access, accessibility, affordability, deployment, government coordination

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an important meeting where they discussed various bills aimed at addressing pressing issues like consumer protection, technology, and environmental management. Chairman Cruz opened the meeting by emphasizing the role of subpoenas in ensuring accountability and oversight, highlighting a recent compliance from several parties following such threats. The meeting progressed to consider several bills, including the Romance Scam Prevention Act championed by Senator Blackburn, which seeks to protect vulnerable populations from online dating scams that have resulted in enormous financial losses, particularly among seniors. The committee also nominated Michael Kratios for the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Medder for the Federal Trade Commission, underscoring the significance of leadership in fostering innovation and consumer protection in technology sectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• VA strongly supports the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Service Members Act. of
• VA generally supports the Service Members and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act or the SAVES Act of
• So these are the Rep VA Act, Vet Pact Act, which VA support. supports, and the Veterans Fraud Reimbursement
• I would hope that you can support that.
• Again, to analogize it to the combat wound suffered by Mr.

Bills: SB124, SB201, SB275, SB410, SB478, SB607, SB610, SB611, SB654, SB702, SB787, SB831, SB892

Keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments

Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.

Bills: HR34, HR36, HR38, HR39, HR41, HR42, HR43, HR67, HR68, HR73, HR77, HR81, HR104, HR166, HR201, HR202, HR223, HR226, HR233, HR234, HR246, HR264, HR266, HR268, HR271, HR280, HR282, HR286, HR291, HR292, HR296, HR298, HR319, HR326, HR329, HR348, HR354, HR373, HR376, HR381, HR385, HR386, HR387, HR391, HR394, HR395, HR396, HR399, HR400, HR402, HR403, HR404, HR408, HR409, HR410, HR413, HR414, HR417, HR418, HR419, HR422, HR424, HR429, HR435, HR439, HR440, HR22, HR88, HR94, HR136, HR194, HR231, HR302, HR397, HR416, HR420, HR421, HR423, HR430, HR431

Keywords: Ramadan, Islam, Muslim community, spiritual observance, cultural recognition, Eid al-Fitr, celebration, Texas legislation, Mother's Day, family, women, honor, Father's Day, gratefulness, recognition, Diwali, festival of lights, Hinduism, unity, Veterans Day

Transcript Highlights:

• The green cards are for support, red cards are in opposition, white cards are for information purposes
• We have Rick Owens here from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, who is in support but not wishing to
• We have Rick Owens here again, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, in support but not wishing to speak.
• We had Rick Owens here with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in support, and Mr.
• We had Rick Owens here with Louisiana Wildlife Federation in support, and Mrs.

Bills: HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HB1209

Keywords: migratory waterfowl, hunting regulations, flooded crops, wildlife management, environmental impact, hunting, Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, deer hunting, dogs, conservation, hunting heritage, federal regulations, Senator Kennedy, wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, legislative support, environment, protective measures, boating safety

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met on March 27 with a quorum present, approved prior minutes, and then took up several resolutions and one bill related to wildlife, water resources, and conservation. H.C.R. 79, as amended, urged the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to work together to allow the use of dogs for hunting in Kisatchie National Forest; supporters described it as a traditional hunting practice that has been restricted for years and could benefit local hunters and businesses. H.C.R. 104, as amended, asked the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study and modernize the collection, retention, and access to subsurface data, with members emphasizing the need to avoid sharing company-specific information. H.C.R. 87 was reported favorably to support correspondence from U.S. Sen. Kennedy regarding duck flyway management, H.C.R. 54 was reported favorably to study the impact of flooded corn on migratory waterfowl and restore an enforcement mechanism related to hunting over intentionally flooded crops, and H.C.R. 94 was reported favorably to require annual boating safety reports to legislative committees. The committee then heard HB 1209, which would have paused new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals while allowing existing agreements to continue and be renewed through December 31, 2036. The author said the bill was intended to give the state time to develop a more comprehensive, data-driven surface water strategy and to address invasive species such as giant salvinia, which he said has severely affected waterways in his district. Members and witnesses acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, but there was concern that the bill was too complex to move quickly in the session. The committee discussed converting it into a study resolution instead, and the bill was deferred without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Bills: HB165, HB603, SB77, SB140, SB185

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Bills: SB1319, SB1369, SB1378, SB1379, SB1309, SB1330, SB1481, SB1546, SB1122, SB1403

Keywords: SB1319, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma, remediation, environmental emergency, brine contamination, oil contamination, oilfield pollution, residential property, home buyout, property acquisition, fair market value, revolving fund, remediation fund, state plugging funds, well plugging, abandoned well, natural breakout, Department of Environmental Quality, DEQ

Bills: HB1411, HB2980, HB3015, HB3147, HB3277, HB3323, HB3443, HB3882

Keywords: True Grit Trail, Oklahoma, tourism, signage, Department of Transportation, state parks, historical sites, economic development, motor vehicles, insurance, registration, verification, law enforcement, electronic credentials, Service Oklahoma, digital identification, data protection, driver's license, special license plates, Route 66

Transcript Highlights:

• support children services. support children services.
• support of the bill. My name is Dr. support of the bill. My name is Dr.
• support this bill. support this bill.
• So, I would ask for your support. So, I would ask for your support.
• members not to support this amendment. members not to support this amendment.

Bills: HF4277, HF3819, HF3489, HF4408, HF3901, HF4316

Keywords: child care, child care center, day care, licensed child care, video security cameras, surveillance, security cameras, maltreatment, child abuse, child safety, public and shared areas, camera mandate, child care assistance program, CCAP, Great Start Compensation Support, early learning scholarships, licensed provider, Minnesota Statutes 142B.68, Harvey's Law, privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• So I spoke with the author earlier about the bill and expressed my support, but I did have a question
• We have statutory requirements to look at the child support standards as implemented by DHS.

Bills: SB1195, SB1245, SB1379, SB1420, SB1473, SB1534, SB1743, SB1769, SB1945

Keywords: nuisance, racing facility, racetrack, qualified defense, local property rights, noise regulation, legal claims, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, drug offenses, DUI penalties, residential treatment, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, public comment

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:07:18.400> of, here signed up to speak in support of, here signed up to speak in support
• voice my support of reggg 767. voice my support of reggg 767.
• nothing that they're they have support nothing that they're they have support with<01:17:37.920>
• We appreciate that support. We appreciate the prior support of the Tobacco 21 law.
• Let's do that now. that support. We appreciate the prior that support.

Keywords: 0:00 – Meeting start/roll call 0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes 1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services 27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners 1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E. 1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board 1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief 1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) 1:54:28 - Board of Nursing 1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy 1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority 2:01:34 - Department of Corrections 2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice 2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance 2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient. The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Quote, ExxonMobil: our support efforts support the goals of the Global Methane Pledge and U.S.
• We support that transition.
• That’s why I support the Clear Horizons Act.
• I support SB 18.
• Please support SB 18. Thank you. And building a stable future. Please support SB 18. Thank you.

Bills: SB12, SB36, SB92, SB120, SB133, SB151, SB18, SB96

Keywords: tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news

Transcript Highlights:

• We are enthusiastically in support of House Bill 2310.
• I support the changes that are going on because, unfortunately, if we don't do it, Mr.
• So it can be done, but I'm glad we've got the legislation to support it. Senator West.
• I'm here today to testify in strong support of House Bill 1481.
• My name is Stephanie Coulson, and I'm speaking for myself to support House Bill 1481.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• So I ask you, please support the bill. I particularly...
• It's called the same thing, Veterans Support to Self-Reliance.
• So I ask you and I implore you, please... ...support this bill.
• I urge my colleagues to support Senate Bill 651.
• I'm here on behalf of Dallas County in support of SB651.

Bills: HB4458, SB651, SB1227, SB1931

Keywords: veterans, service members, military transition, Texas Veterans Commission, pilot program, self-reliance, employment assistance, housing assistance, mental health services, career training, veterans service organizations, spouses and dependents, military families, Texas military forces, post-separation support, reentry services, workforce development, benefits navigation, transition assistance, SB 651

Transcript Highlights:

• And members, I humbly request your support. We do have a couple of testifiers.
• Please support this bill and support Texas shrimpers and the FDA. ...to stay in business and continue
• And so we want to absolutely support Texas shrimpers. We know they're struggling.
• She's here in support of the shrimp bill.
• Made in Texas, labeled while still supporting our state economy.

Bills: HB2226, HB2269, HB2343, HB2760, HB3621, HB4079, HB4204, HB4518, HB4531, HB4555, HB4850, HB4876, HB4903, HB4996, HB5122

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying in support of the bill.
• Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to testify in support of House Bill 4903.
• House Bill 4531, I respectfully ask for your support on this bill as I close.
• In Texas, I appreciate this opportunity to speak in support of HB3621.
• Testifying on behalf of Heritage Action for America, are you in support of the bill?

Bills: HB2226, HB2269, HB2343, HB2760, HB3621, HB4079, HB4204, HB4518, HB4531, HB4555, HB4850, HB4876, HB4903, HB4996, HB5122

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• But the firefighters are all in support of the monetary amount of the increase. They are. Okay.
• Tom Price in support of this bill and testimony from several tax policy groups that support this legislation

Bills: SB282, SB300, HB72, HB396, SB282, SB300, HB72, HB396

Keywords: virtual currency, cryptocurrency, tax exemption, state tax law, digital assets, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact, firefighter, license plate, fees, funds distribution, support programs, memorial, disabled veterans, property tax exemption, debt-to-income ratio, homestead, veterans affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I am asking for your support for the deafblind Texan citizens.
• So I'm here today in support of the bill.
• I am here to express my support for this bill.
• So we appreciate your support. Thank you very much.
• We already have the infrastructure to support these children.

Bills: HB 451, HB 645, HB 1041, HB 1151, HB 1155, HB 1536, HCR 12

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• our DOD partnerships as well for some support.
• Basically, we are supportive of that bill in 2023.
• So, with that language, you would be in support?
• No we can absolutely support both of those.
• I'm testing on behalf of CenterPoint Energy in support of HB 1335.

Bills: HB206, HB 1285, HB1335, HJR107, HB206

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, HB 1285, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, drones, unmanned aircraft, UAS, drone inspections, oil and gas, pipeline inspection, surface mining, well sites, tank batteries, disposal wells, injection sites, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Alabama Innovation Fund for HudsonAlpha to support the HOPE Alzheimer’s initiative, $2 million.
• 21.200> if<00:35:21.440> you're We're looking for students that likely need additional support
• students that likely to<00:36:19.040> need<00:36:19.280> additional<00:36:19.760> support
• <00:36:20.400> that<00:36:20.640> can to need additional support. that can to need
• additional support. that can include<00:36:21.599> um<00:36:22.320> low-income<00:36:23.040

Bills: HB235, HB236, HB565, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB235, HB236, HB565, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242

Keywords: social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety, youth social media, HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• ABOR's staffing budget is supported in two ways. It's supported by...
• A-BOR's staffing budget is supported in two ways. It's supported by...
• A-BOR's staffing budget is supported in two ways.
• Business would say, like, no, I don't support that.
• Of things they supported they've asked for.

Bills: HB4138, HB4139, HB4140, HB4141, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4145, HB4146, HB4147, HB4148, HB4149, HB4150, HB4151, HB4152, HB4153, SB1831, SB1832, SB1833, SB1834, SB1835, SB1836, SB1837, SB1838, SB1839, SB1840, SB1841, SB1842, SB1843, SB1844, SB1845, SB1846

Keywords: appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction

Summary: The committee met in a special joint appropriations session to review the FY 2027 budget package, including House Bill 4138 and Senate Bill 1831, the general appropriations or “feed” bills. Staff described the budget as including a one-time transfer of state funds, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general-fund budgets, continued funding for the state health insurance plan and school facilities, and various one-time restorations or reversions of prior appropriations. Members spent much of the meeting clarifying how the 5% reductions would work, noting that formula and mandatory funding such as K-12 basic aid are excluded, while the governor’s executive branch would decide how to implement the cuts within agencies. The chair repeatedly emphasized that the committee was not specifying line-item cuts and that agencies would have discretion over implementation. A large portion of the discussion focused on the practical effects of the budget on universities, public safety, health care, rural programs, and fund sweeps. Arizona Board of Regents and university representatives said the proposed reductions would amount to more than $85 million statewide and could affect programs such as the Arizona Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and tuition freezes, though no specific program cuts were written into the bill. Other testimony raised concerns about fund sweeps from encumbered balances, including university research funds, housing trust funds, utility regulation funds, and ADOT-related accounts, with some members warning about possible impacts on rural infrastructure and federal matching dollars. The committee also discussed the state employee health plan, including a $228 million general-fund infusion and proposed employee premium increases over three years, as well as questions about corrections, forestry and fire management, and rural critical access hospitals. Public testimony was largely opposed to the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, health care, and local government argued that the package would reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care access, and rural communities while preserving tax benefits for data centers and wealthy taxpayers. A mayor from Globe described severe flood damage and asked for state help for a flood relief fund, while a motorcycle safety advocate questioned a proposed transfer from the motorcycle safety fund. Committee members debated whether the budget’s effects should be described as speculative or as likely consequences of the broad cuts, and several exchanges became contentious over comparisons to the Great Recession and references to federal tax policy. The meeting ended with continued public testimony and no final vote taken in the portion provided, though leadership had earlier said the committee planned a mass roll-call vote on all the bills at the end.