Transcript Highlights:

• There's a difference between so-called first-tier and second-tier partners.
• The second-tier partners are the 6,000-plus that's mentioned in the analysis.
• Dealers and others, they're kind of first-tier. They're doing things at a certain scale level.
• So we've had conversations with folks to make sure that it doesn't impact the first-tier partners.
• trucks and sail-on-wheels are specialized vehicles for telecommunication providers, utilized when performing

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several transportation-related bills, beginning with AB 431 on advanced air mobility. The author and supporters from AUVSI, Joby Aviation, United Airlines, Wisk Aero, the City of Long Beach, and Archer said the bill would create a statewide plan and technical framework for eVTOL/advanced air mobility infrastructure, public outreach, and local implementation. No opposition testified, and the bill passed the committee as amended to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call. Members then took up AB 630 on abandoned or hazardous RVs. The author and supporters, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office, argued the bill would curb a cycle in which inoperable RVs are towed, auctioned cheaply, and returned to the streets by predatory buyers, while adding notice, recovery, and reporting requirements. Opponents from Western Center on Law and Poverty and ACLU California Action warned the bill would destroy RVs that serve as shelter for unhoused residents and could worsen homelessness. After discussion about the bill’s focus on dismantling rather than towing, the committee passed AB 630 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 314, which would support transit-oriented development around planned and existing high-speed rail stations; AB 1223, which gives Sacramento County communities more flexibility to use local transportation revenues for related infrastructure supporting infill development; AB 1111, which adds flexibility to the zero-emission school bus transition for rural and disadvantaged districts; AB 1190, which caps fees charged by DMV business partners and requires clearer disclosure of the official DMV site; AB 987, which limits unreasonable towing fees and related charges; and AB 911, which creates a narrow exemption from Advanced Clean Fleets rules for telecommunications bucket trucks and sail-on-wheels used in emergencies. Most bills drew support from local governments, industry, or consumer groups, while AB 1111 and AB 911 drew opposition from clean transportation and environmental advocates concerned about weakening emissions goals. All of the bills were reported out as amended to the Committee on Appropriations, with recorded roll-call votes and several members adding their names as co-authors or supporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• We passed SB 840, which put certain things in the top tier, and it put certain things in the bottom tier
• It's third tier.
• A few questions on the tier process.
• To fully support Tier 2 programs within SB 840's framework and leave no funding for Tier 3.
• 3 funding priority. as these changes could reduce or eliminate revenues for Tier 2 and Tier 3 commitments

Summary: The hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision proposals for transportation, natural resources, climate, and related programs, with the Department of Finance and the LAO presenting competing views on the state’s fiscal condition. Finance said the budget remains balanced over two years, with major climate-bond, water, parks, transportation, DMV, and agriculture proposals, while the LAO argued the state still has a structural deficit and should reject or defer many new discretionary spending items, preserve reserves, and be cautious about ongoing commitments. The LAO specifically questioned the timing and scale of new spending for programs such as Clean California, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, and the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, and urged more clarity on future obligations and revenue scenarios, including for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance described it as an enforceable, science-based alternative to a more traditional regulatory approach, with the state’s $25 million request intended to support early implementation, monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental flows. The LAO countered that the Water Board has not yet adopted the updated Bay-Delta plan, that the proposal may be premature, and that the Legislature should wait for more information on the state’s total funding commitment and the program’s long-term costs. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce conflict and protect water reliability, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure. The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquiring the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat project. State officials said the acquisition is a time-sensitive, once-in-a-generation opportunity, with an appraised value of $175 million and additional philanthropic and local funding expected to close the gap. Members questioned whether the project had gone through the usual competitive process, whether the site is the best use of scarce park bond dollars, and how public access, habitat, and disadvantaged-community priorities would be protected. The discussion ended without a vote, and the committee moved on to transportation items including Clean California litter abatement, the Games Route Network, homeless encampment coordinators, and DMV modernization and field office proposals, with LAO recommending rejection or delay on several of those requests as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will allow them to perform... ...mental health holds.
• Tier 2 funding can be spent on any purpose; it's not dedicated in any way.
• They will get additional Tier 2 funding because of the increase in funding to special education needs
• So in this bill, there are reductions in Tier 2 related to the golden penny increment allotment change
• , and there are reductions in Tier 2 from changes made to the school safety allotment.

Bills: SB203, SB317, SB731, SB801, SB823, SB867, SB1232, SB1380, SB1798, SB2082, SB2603, SB2607, SB2717, SB2797, SB2841, SB2919, SB3074, HB2, HB6, HB18, HB43, HB47, HB120, HB143, HB149, HB171, HB180, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB647, HB742, HB748, HB908, HB1024, HB1240, HB1306, HB1397, HB1443, HB1445, HB1533, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2011, HB2026, HB2282, HB2355, HB2402, HB2434, HB2440, HB2492, HB2516, HB2518, HB2560, HB2674, HB2688, HB2697, HB2712, HB2713, HB2715, HB3153, HB3161, HB3421, HB3424, HB3464, HB3486, HB3510, HB3627, HB3966, HB3986, HB4042, HB4044, HB4076, HB4263, HB4384, HB4396, HB4413, HB4426, HB4429, HB4945, HB4996, HB5033, HB5246, HB5436, HB5515, HB5667, SJR5, SB3, SB4, SB9, SB20, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB33, SB34, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB269, SB379, SB458, SB528, SB647, SB648, SB650, SB681, SB740, SB840, SB843, SB924, SB1061, SB1120, SB1121, SB1150, SB1188, SB1198, SB1202, SB1253, SB1318, SB1333, SB1405, SB1423, SB1535, SB1566, SB1574, SB1621, SB1709, SB1789, SB2037, SB2078, SB2268, SB2544, SB2570, SB2601, SB2778, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB2308, HB2525, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB3071, SB3065, SB823, SB3062, SB3074, SB1380, HJR133, HB2715, HB2, HB26, HB388, HB2712, HB1633, HB685, HB1606, HB1458, HB1240, HB2791, HB1397, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB5180, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB5652, HB2025, HB3395, HB18, HB2516, HB2713, HB24, HB519, HB609, HB1592, HB120, HB1533, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB2011, HB5084, HB3424, HB4396, HB43, HB5686, HB2518, HB4310, HB180, HB149, HB4945, HB2434, HB3161, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB4996, HB2697, HB2492, HB2355, HB2282, HB2001, HB1902, HB1866, HB1445, HB1443, HB1306, HB1024, HB908, HB305, HB285, HB449, HB171, HB47, HB3464, HB2637, HB4263, HB5436, HB4429, HB3986, HB3966, HB3510, HB2560, HB2026, HB2688, HB4076, HB5246, HB3487, HB3486, HB4226, HB216, HB742, HB2402, HB143, HB5033, HB4413, HB4042, HB2440, HB4426, HB49, HB4112, HB3233, HB2310, HB5515, HB3627, HB2674, HB322, HB1481, HB126, HB3062, HB3421, HB3180, HB2530, HB2524, HB1916, HB3153, HB5650, HB4894, HB3120, HB1629, HB103, HB3234, HB3680, HB5698, HB3171, HB5693, HB2694, HB5664, HB3732, HB2508, HB2293, HB1991, HB2014, HB5331, HB5247, HB4751, HB4690, HB4668, HB4464, HB4395, HB4063, HB3833, HB3623, HB3214, HB3512, HB3250, HB3016, HB2520, HB2221, HB2213, HB3824, HB2067, HB1732, HB1562, HB700, HB1545, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB1851, HB3619, HB3071, HB3556, HB851, HB4230, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5699, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HB5149, HB4903, HB4743, HB4666, HB4377, HB4535, HB4129, HB3812, HB3801, HB3595, HB3057, HB2035, HB721, HB35, HB346, HB2974, HB2512, HB5695, HB5694, HB5671, HB5674, HB5688, HB1586, HB5154, HB2038, HB163, HB413, HB3463, HB3185, HB2761, HB2593, HB2348, HB2073, HB1828, HB1422, HB75, HB1871, HB108, HB2306, HB2017, HB1135, HB144, HB3689, HB5308, HB101, HB2193, HB5666, HB5677, HB5682, HB5680, HB5658, HB5696, HB4144, HB3159, HB3254, HB3866, HB3010, HB4520, HB3642, HB3928, HB3815, HB2686, HB2012, HB1960, HB227, HB654, HB1690, HB2128, HB4158, HB4530, HB4630, HB5659, HB1523, HB2078, HB2427, HB145, HB1973, HB3333, HB3697, HB3546, HB3225, HB3181, HB3133, HB3053, HB2885, HB2820, HB2294, HB2253, HB1661, HB1506, HB1234, HB640, HB621, HB551, HB521, HB493, HB272, HB229, HB223, HB201, HB186, HB119, HB2080, HB2818, HB5394, HB4795, HB4466, HB4454, HB3940, HB3749, HB3151, HB3284, HB1403, HB1106, HB2844, HB2851, HB1500, HCR141, HCR118, HCR127, HCR40, HCR59, HCR10, HCR135, HCR142, HCR9, HCR76, HCR108, SB823, SB1380, SB3074, HB47, HB143, HB149, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB742, HB908, HB1024, HB1240, HB1397, HB1443, HB1533, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2011, HB2355, HB2402, HB2434, HB2440, HB2492, HB2560, HB2688, HB2697, HB2712, HB3153, HB3161, HB3421, HB3424, HB3464, HB3486, HB3510, HB3986, HB4042, HB4076, HB4263, HB4413, HB4426, HB4429, HB4945, HB4996, HB5246, HB5515, HB2, HB2282, HB3627, HB5033, SR560, SR561, HB1904, HB2240, HB3686, HB3793, HB4202, HB1904, HB2240, HB3686, HB3793, HB4202

Keywords: student privacy, numerical class rank, education policy, academic programs, high school, monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, SB 731, Texas, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, TDHCA, low-income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, senior housing, 55 and older

Transcript Highlights:

• They were tiered.
• Um they were they were They were tiered.
• Uh, next is going to be judicial performance.
• Obviously, it's not exactly a performance audit.
• It's certainly not a performance audit.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard first from the Office of State Public Defender, which said its core budget request was essentially level funding, with attorney and investigator pay raises already included because of the DA pay raise linkage. The main discussion focused on two initiatives: a rural public defense pilot in four counties and a Hinds County/Jackson public defense expansion. The pilot, funded last year with capital expense money, has formed a nonprofit, hired a director and staff, opened an office in Kosciusko, and began taking cases on October 1; most of its 44 cases involved day-one jail visits. The office said the project is intended to improve early representation, reduce jail time, and generate data, while not displacing local public defenders. For Hinds County, the office said new data show about 31% of cases originate from state-agency arrests, and it is seeking roughly $525,000 more to fully fund positions, bringing the total request to about $952,972 for five lawyers, an investigator, a legal secretary, and office expenses. Senators asked about funding sources and workload standards; the office said the pilot request had been submitted as general funds rather than capital expense, and that it is using weighted workload measures rather than strict national caseload standards. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office, represented by Deputy Attorney General Doug Miracle, who presented the FY 2027 budget request. The office requested $45.48 million total, including $35.31 million in general funds, which is a reduction from the prior year’s appropriation, but also requested a $1.58 million increase in salary funding. Miracle said the office is losing attorneys to other state agencies and district attorney offices because of salary caps and pay disparities, noting the Attorney General’s statutory salary cap of $150,000 and that more than 18 attorneys left last year. He said HB 1509 created higher pay levels for district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, making retention harder for the Attorney General’s office, and asked for either the salary increase or authority to move funds between budget lines. Miracle also highlighted the office’s work on child welfare and human trafficking, noting that federal HHS officials were visiting Jackson to discuss foster children and that the office administers the state’s human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation fund. He said the office is working to reduce time children spend in state custody and support services for trafficking victims and foster youth. The committee discussed statewide youth court reform as well, with Miracle explaining that the office supports expert recommendations and a plan that could create 25 youth court positions in 20 chancery districts at an estimated $10 million, based on DHS and AOC data and a model using state-employed and contract lawyers. No votes were taken during the excerpted meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:33.200> Um,<00:30:33.840> to performance of official duties.
• Um, to performance of official duties.
• the performance of official duties. >> Thank you, Mr.
• Florida has a tiered system.
• There are several states in the U.S. currently that have tiered systems very similar to this.

Bills: HF3131, HF3436, HF3106, HF3241, HF3531

Keywords: cancer, disability, parking certificates, transportation, state law, school bus, schoolchildren, student safety, traffic safety, stop arm, flashing red lights, amber lights, passing a school bus, 20 feet, vehicle stopping distance, driver duties, school transportation, Minnesota traffic law, school bus law, bus stop signal

Transcript Highlights:

• They fall within a tiered system, either tier one through six, which includes those local public bodies
• Reporting to our office varies from tier certification, where you verify your revenue, to an AUP.
• Last year, I assisted with either tier certifications or AUPs.
• Before, when they had a tier certification, they had to print it out, sign it, scan it, and upload it
• LFC's performance measures for these agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• increased academic performance. increased academic performance.
• <00:10:31.839> to different approach at each tier to different approach at each tier to support
• So if you look at tier support youth.
• That tier one level. >> Anything else? >> Thank you, Chair.
• They can be doing multi-tiered systems of support.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That is one of the alternatives that we’ve created, is kind of like pay for performance.
• That is one of the alternatives that we've created is kind of like pay for performance.
• So I'm a big advocate of pay for performance. I'm a big advocate of pay for performance.
• I think we know, you know, Medicaid Tier 1, there's still a high level of needs.
• of the Medicaid Tier 1 people end up in emergency rooms.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness policy and behavioral health. Testimony focused on the view that Arkansas should shift toward more data-driven, outcomes-based responses to homelessness, including stronger treatment options for serious mental illness and substance use disorder, better data collection, provider accountability, and possible statewide use of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. Speakers from Fort Smith, Restore Hope, Our House, and Western Arkansas Counseling described local work, the need for better coordination across providers, and the role of crisis services, ACT teams, and employment support. Members asked about sex offender tracking, the difference between sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, how to scale successful programs statewide, and whether Arkansas could apply for a statewide Continuum of Care or CCBHC planning grant. The discussion also touched on camping bans, civil commitment, and federal funding changes, with several speakers urging the state to pursue the CCBHC planning grant and more transparent reporting systems. After the homelessness discussion, the committee moved through a series of Department of Energy and Board of Nursing rule reviews. DEQ proposed updating the post-closure cleanup threshold for solid waste matters from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025, and members asked about financial assurance and oversight; the rule was reviewed without objection. The Board of Nursing then presented multiple rule changes tied to recent acts, including adding fees for dialysis patient care technician registration, expanding contact-information requirements, implementing APRN delegation authority to unlicensed workers, clarifying APRN authority for death certificates and durable medical equipment prescriptions, updating certified medication assistant training and insulin-injection authority, and conforming independent-practice rules for clinical nurse specialists. Each rule was reviewed without objection. Near the end of the meeting, Senator Irvin announced that UAMS had completed its NCI designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, calling it an important milestone for the state. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND PROVIDE THEM WITH TIERED SERVICE OPTIONS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
• IT REQUIRES ACHA TO INCLUDE IN THE REDESIGN A TIERED SERVICE ARRAY FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE PRIVATE
• WE WANT THEM TO GET AT HOME CARE IF POSSIBLE AND THIS WILL ALLOW US TO REALLY LOOK TO HOW TO DO A TIERED
• FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL AUDITS FOR ENTITIES AND PROVIDER NETWORK REFERRAL PATTERNS AND SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
• STEM CELL THERAPIES FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL ISSUES PROVIDING THAT THE TREATMENT IS PERFORMED WITH STEM CELL

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation Evaluation, amends Medicaid-related law to require PEER performance
• require peer performance evaluations. require peer performance evaluations.
• the grantee to the grantor, and even if there are multiple subgrants that are made, each of these tiers
• <00:20:44.000> each<00:20:44.320> of<00:20:44.440> these<00:20:45.440> tiers
• <00:20:46.280> would are made, each of these tiers would are made, each of these tiers would

Keywords: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210, 3 March, 2026; 2:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1596, which Senator Johnson explained as a companion to another crypto-kiosk bill. He said the measure was being used to open the code and remove new kiosk language temporarily while lawmakers work on a regulatory framework for crypto kiosks, which are being used in scams involving callers posing as law enforcement and directing victims to deposit cash into kiosks. Members discussed the lack of reporting and registration data, the estimated number of kiosks in the state, and whether regulation might require identification and registration of the devices. The committee adopted the motion for title sufficient, do pass as amended, and reported the bill out. The committee then considered House Bill 859, which would eliminate the in-person absentee voting envelope while keeping the 45-day in-person absentee voting period and existing excuse requirements. Senator England said voters would still complete an affidavit and cast the ballot directly into an OMR machine, and he noted that circuit clerks preferred this version. The committee asked a few clarifying questions and then passed the bill, reporting it out. Next was House Bill 925, the CLEAR Act, which Senator McMahan described as a revised PEER-related bill that had been worked on with the governor’s office after a prior veto. He outlined provisions creating a PEER review program for agency rules, Medicaid transportation evaluations, a State Board of Health Professions, changes to the corporation work initiative program, and PEER subpoena and enforcement language. An amendment was adopted to delete the subpoena-related sections that had raised constitutional concerns and to retain the reverse repealer. After questions about the advisory role of the new board, the committee passed the bill as amended. The committee also heard House Bill 1171, a strike-all that Senator Sparks said would mirror a Senate bill on grant transparency. The measure would require clearer grant objectives, objective eligibility criteria, disclosure of conflicts and board relationships, reporting by grantees and subgrantees, and signed documentation under penalty of perjury with CPA review. Members asked about enforcement, and Senator Sparks said improper reporting could lead to loss of funds, audits, and possible criminal consequences. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported the bill out. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1393, which would create an energy development fund at the Mississippi Development Authority for long-term infrastructure planning tied to large industrial energy users. Members asked whether the fund would cover water resources as well as electricity; the sponsor said it was intended for energy infrastructure, not water, and was aimed at large industrial projects such as steel mills. The committee adopted the strike-all and moved to report the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• We could perform better for my.
• He does performance measure perspective that we need to set targets and goals and hold hold the health
• All the bill currently authorizes specific healthcare practitioners to perform stem cell therapies for
• certain medical issues provided that the treatment is performed with stem cell products from specified
• We just talked about and provide them with a tiered service options to improve support to the children

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requiring all parties involved to hold a Texas brewer's license at the location where services are performed
• And we worked, as stated earlier, with all stakeholders from all the tiers, as well as the TABC, to reach
• As you all know, our alcohol industry is divided into three tiers.
• Brewpubs represent both the manufacturing and retail tiers, and it is to the retail-tier section of the
• product from one location to the other, but we're not sitting here trying to blanketly change the three-tier

Bills: HB 1301, HB2278, HB2776, HB2820, HB3848, HB3920, HB4172, HB4215, HB4284, HB4285, HB4463, HB4517, HB4690, HB4765, HB4766, HB4767, HB4768, HB4769, HB4773, HB4830, HB5506

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Summary: The Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures met with a quorum present, corrected the minutes from April 8, and then took up a long list of pending bills, most of which were reported favorably or left pending after hearing testimony. Early action included HB 1764 (accounting practice for certain out-of-state CPAs), HB 1788 (continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists on recognizing and assisting victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking), HB 2204 (land surveyor regulation), HB 2885 (local option elections on alcohol sales), HB 2996 (gambling offense definitions and prosecution), HB 3250 (real estate appraisals and appraisal management companies), HB 3352 (driver education on work zones), HB 3385 (farm winery permit), HB 3756 (powers of certain nonresident sellers’ permit holders who also hold a winery permit), HB 3816 (cruelty to livestock animals), HB 3913 (real estate licensing), and HB 3928 (electronic notice of towed vehicles), all of which were advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several of these bills were reported with committee substitutes, and some were also sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. The committee then heard testimony on HB 2278, which would legalize limited home distilling of spirits for personal or family use and add honey as an approved ingredient; supporters framed it as a consistency and freedom issue, and the bill was left pending. HB 3920, a TDLR workforce/CTE bill, and HB 1301, which would allow beer or malt beverages to be sold at certain wineries with on-site restaurants, were also laid out and left pending after discussion. HB 2776, aimed at tightening massage therapy licensing restrictions for people convicted of sexual and trafficking-related offenses and strengthening TDLR enforcement, and HB 3848, which would allow electronic filing of elevator and escalator inspection reports, were both heard and left pending as well. A major portion of the meeting focused on alcohol-related bills. HB 4215 would place delivery network companies under a statewide TDLR regulatory framework; Favor Delivery supported it, and it was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. HB 4172 and HB 2820 would raise bingo reserve limits and update charitable bingo rules; supporters from veterans and nonprofit groups argued the changes would help charities, but both bills were left pending after the substitutes were withdrawn. HB 4463, a broadly supported bill allowing contract brewing and alternating brewery proprietorships, was also left pending. HB 4284 would remove the “excessive discount” prohibition in alcohol sales, HB 4285 would allow airlines to store alcohol within five miles of an airport in the same county, HB 4517 would create a complaint process for Texas distillers not paid by wholesalers, and HB 4773 would let breweries and brewpubs transport their own beer between facilities; HB 4773 drew the most debate, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents warning about unintended consequences and possible effects on the three-tier system, but it too was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending a series of TDLR cleanup bills and other measures, including HB 4765 through HB 4769, HB 4830 on service contracts for lease vehicles, HB 5506 giving civil immunity to ringside physicians at combative sports events, and HB 4690 on gasoline vapor pressure compliance. The meeting ended after all business was completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But one of the tiers is... Thank you.
• Approach to this because it's kind of a complicated problem, but one of the tiers is a tier for the highest
• Well, the top tier is going to be the residential placement tier because that's clearly the most severe
• You've got seven tiers underneath there.
• So we've got seven tiers that people need help with, and then we've got the residential tier.

Bills: SJR12, SJR81, SCR39, SB22, SB32, SB241, SB393, SB414, SB458, SB464, SB568, SB583, SB609, SB660, SB693, SB731, SB732, SB746, SB783, SB785, SB897, SB993, SB996, SB1008, SB1029, SB1035, SB1036, SB1120, SB1122, SB1147, SB1163, SB1188, SB1197, SB1209, SB1227, SB1245, SB1267, SB1307, SB1321, SB1332, SB1386, SB1394, SB1396, SB1470, SB1494, SB1537, SB1596, SB1598, SB1610, SB1664, SB1814, SB1822, SB1841, SB1948, SB2065, SB2155, SB2406, SB2407

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, approval of routine motions, and the reading of gubernatorial nominations and several honorary resolutions. The chamber adopted resolutions recognizing Jack and Jill of America Day and DJ Daniel Day at the Capitol, with multiple senators offering remarks praising youth leadership, perseverance, and public service. The Senate also introduced the Doctor of the Day and then proceeded to a long series of floor actions on bills. A major focus was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 568, which overhauls special education funding and services in public schools by moving from a placement-based model to an intensity-based system tied to student needs and IEPs. Senators Bettencourt, Creighton, and Menendez emphasized transparency, parent input, evaluation funding, dyslexia services, and better alignment of funding with actual services; Senator Hinojosa shared a personal story about dyslexia and the importance of early intervention. The bill was advanced on second and third reading and finally passed 30-0. The Senate also passed SB 1396 to prohibit national sex education standards in public schools, SB 2065 on the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, SB 1664 requiring clearer public disclosure of transmission and distribution utility rate changes, SB 1029 on advertising certain used motor vehicles, SB 1120 expanding rights for family violence victims, SB 1036 regulating residential solar retail transactions, SB 464 creating school-proximity restrictions and penalties for tobacco and vaping sales, SB 1035 giving farmers and ranchers equitable relief from certain local agricultural regulations, SB 1610 addressing civil commitment facility safety and prosecution issues, SB 1197 extending drone restrictions to spaceports, and SB 1386 changing legislative witness immunity from transactional to testimonial immunity. Another major bill was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1188, which updates electronic health record requirements. Senator Kolkhorst said the bill builds on Texas medical privacy law by requiring U.S.-based storage of EMR data, prohibiting recording of voter registration status and credit score information, requiring provider verification and disclosure for AI-assisted diagnosis or treatment recommendations, preserving parental access to minors’ records until age 18, and ensuring EMRs can capture metabolic health and biological sex information. A floor amendment clarified the bill’s scope and enforcement, and the bill passed 23-7. Several measures drew debate, especially SB 414 on bond ballot transparency, where Senators Eckhardt and Menendez questioned whether requiring estimated interest and total debt cost on ballots could be misleading or difficult to implement because interest rates and financing terms can change before issuance or over time. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final action shown on SB 414.

Transcript Highlights:

• consideration, they go to Site Selection Magazine to see which states are the best rated relative to performance
• I think they are and they should be performance-based. top six nationally in terms of overall top six
• And they should be performance-based.
• leadership to create basically a tiered leadership to create basically a tiered system<00:22:14.200
• them so they get those extra tier them so they get those extra benefits

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The speaker outlined Kentucky’s economic development strategy and how the cabinet evaluates and awards incentives. He emphasized using national benchmarks such as Site Selection and Area Development magazines, focusing on real data, competitiveness, and performance-based incentives. He said the state is performing well nationally in investment rankings, and credited the legislature with providing tools that help attract and retain jobs, especially through speed to market, site readiness, transportation, and workforce coordination. A major portion of the remarks described the “anatomy” of an incentive package: first improving sites and infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, and rail spurs; then using sales tax benefits for construction materials and equipment; then training support through the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation; and finally the Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI) program, which reimburses qualifying expenses from incremental tax revenue. He said incentives are negotiated, data-driven, and targeted toward companies with strong wage levels, training plans, growth potential, and, in some cases, agricultural benefits or industry leadership. He also noted special treatment for heritage communities and said the state has expanded KBI beyond heavy manufacturing to include R&D, headquarters, and service businesses. The speaker also described compliance and oversight. Incentive agreements are written with job, wage, investment, and community-benefit terms, and companies must file regular reports and invoices. Cash incentives can be clawed back if commitments are not met, while tax credits are tied to actual investment and job creation. He said the Revenue Cabinet and Environment and Energy Cabinet play important monitoring roles, and that projects go through application review and preliminary approval by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority before final approval and payment. He closed by thanking legislators for their support and for allowing more flexible, capped, and data-driven incentive tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uitta's strong performance put them in the dual state record book in the following categories: most points
• The Tigers delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional individual
• , 40% of 43.5 million dollars is going to be divided per student because every student is at least Tier
• But one is the tiers, so the funding, and then that last version I believe was 60, 30, and 20 or 60,
• This is 40% to Tier 1, 30% to Tier 2, 30% for outcomes and growth and rewarding good outcomes.

Bills: SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• Tier 2 funding can be spent on any purpose and is not dedicated in any way.
• They will also get additional Tier 2 funding because of the increase in funding to CTE.
• They will also get additional Tier 2 funding because of the increase in funding for special education
• In this bill, there are reductions in Tier 2 related to the golden penny increment allotment change,
• and there are reductions in Tier 2 from changes made to the school safety allotment.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, even if our investments perform well every year, we can invest our way out of, as Keith
• The issue with putting in a new tier is that it usually takes about a generation for that tier to take
• Tier 2 kind of is really phased in mid-2030s. That's when we really start seeing improvement.
• Once tier two, once that Generation takes over, that's when we start seeing improvement.
• If not the top, it's at least in the top five for our Tier Two benefits.

Transcript Highlights:

• But one of the tiers is a tier for, the highest tiers for those who are in residence. placement.
• ask you about. about some potential stakeholder input in the creation of rulemaking. for the new tiered
• Well the the top tier is going to be the residential placement here because that's the clearly the most
• You've got seven tiers underneath there. And without going into great detail, what.
• that people need help with and then we've got the residential tier.

Bills: SJR 12, SJR 81, SCR 39, SB 22, SB 32, SB 241, SB 393, SB 414, SB 458, SB 464, SB 568, SB 583, SB 609, SB 660, SB 693, SB 731, SB 732, SB 746, SB 783, SB 785, SB 897, SB 993, SB 996, SB 1008, SB 1029, SB 1035, SB 1036, SB 1120, SB 1122, SB 1147, SB 1163, SB 1188, SB 1197, SB 1209, SB 1227, SB 1245, SB 1267, SB 1307, SB 1321, SB 1332, SB 1386, SB 1394, SB 1396, SB 1470, SB 1494, SB 1537, SB 1596, SB 1598, SB 1610, SB 1664, SB 1814, SB 1822, SB 1841, SB 1948, SB 2065, SB 2155, SB 2406, SB 2407, SJR 12, SJR 36, SJR 81, SJR 50, SJR 4, SCR 22, SCR 12, SCR 39, SB 765, SB 62, SB 666, SB 888, SB 687, SB 847, SB 1248, SB 504, SB 305, SB 296, SB 284, SB 241, SB 304, SB 1023, SB 204, SB 609, SB 670, SB 850, SB 854, SB 413, SB 1346, SB 1033, SB 1220, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1539, SB 447, SB 1119, SB 1505, SB 1215, SB 1302, SB 583, SB 673, SB 681, SB 1172, SB 955, SB 957, SB 1120, SB 541, SB 266, SB 1415, SB 53, SB 1352, SB 785, SB 1450, SB 1502, SB 1566, SB 414, SB 1062, SB 711, SB 746, SB 1404, SB 1448, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1349, SB 1355, SB 1433, SB 1434, SB 1596, SB 1403, SB 667, SB 1059, SB 1567, SB 310, SB 311, SB 505, SB 1209, SB 1210, SB 1470, SB 264, SB 1029, SB 1358, SB 1364, SB 1569, SB 1376, SB 1228, SB 519, SB 1350, SB 462, SB 827, SB 1585, SB 1396, SB 1484, SB 1273, SB 927, SB 1227, SB 1229, SB 1353, SB 1464, SB 1709, SB 1729, SB 1733, SB 1744, SB 1772, SB 1841, SB 1147, SB 1008, SB 2016, SB 1173, SB 1163, SB 996, SB 568, SB 1370, SB 1321, SB 1101, SB 860, SB 993, SB 693, SB 1610, SB 1537, SB 1332, SB 1307, SB 963, SB 493, SB 984, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 455, SB 522, SB 1057, SB 1239, SB 1254, SB 1255, SB 1259, SB 1341, SB 1664, SB 1877, SB 464, SB 1277, SB 32, SB 732, SB 660, SB 731, SB 921, SB 268, SB 1822, SB 1188, SB 1589, SB 397, SB 1058, SB 1036, SB 1267, SB 2112, SB 1930, SB 532, SB 1035, SB 2155, SB 508, SB 292, SB 291, SB 901, SB 1333, SB 1436, SB 1494, SB 964, SB 779, SB 1378, SB 2312, SB 1719, SB 1386, SB 287, SB 2143, SB 1245, SB 261, SB 1247, SB 1948, SB 2406, SB 2407, SB 1882, SB 1197, SB 1814, SB 618, SB 38, SB 393, SB 2065, SB 1371, SB 1394, SB 1365, SB 2243, SB 2226, SB 2039, SB 1919, SB 1895, SB 1598, SB 1493, SB 1810, SB 1791, SB 1706, SB 1644, SB 1238, SB 783, SB 458, SB 22, SB 651, SB 897, SB 1809, SB 1080, SB 745, SB 826, SB 989, SB 1320, SB 1437, SB 2320, SB 2289, SB 1171, SB 664, SB 1637, SB 2064, SB 868, SJR 40, SJR 27, SCR 38, SCR 37, SB 1079, SB 1243, SB 1504, SB 1851, SB 1879, SB 2237, SB 1257, SB 2034, SB 1522, SB 883, SB 249, SB 1318, SB 1151, SB 596, SB 1191, SB 226, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1067, SB 1786, SB 326, SB 1401, SB 1592, SB 1728, SB 1265, SB 586, SB 529, SB 217, SB 209, SB 1923, SB 1559, SB 1839, SB 387, SB 1874, SB 1872, SB 1873, SB 1921, SB 1883, SB 1677, SB 95, SB 1620, SB 1838, SB 2024, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 2166, SB 871, SB 510, SB 33, SB 2420, SB 1860, SB 1541, SB 1316, SB 1314, SB 1313, SB 1426, SB 1398, SB 1869, SB 1750, SB 1871, SB 36, SB 855, SB 1233, SB 760, SB 2425, SB 2037, SB 1758, SB 1759, SB 2365, SB 1924, SB 762, SB 1271, SB 1818, SB 605, SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1968, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2148, SB 2321, SB 1967, SB 1662, SB 1663, SB 2124, SB 2204

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on educational reforms, particularly in special education funding. Notably, Senator Bettencourt laid out the transformative impacts of Senate Bill 568, which aims to lift a historical cap on special education funding that affected approximately 775,000 students. The discussions included plans for an intensity-based funding model that could ensure fair distribution of resources depending on individual needs, thereby enhancing educational support for diverse learning requirements. Senators acknowledged past failures in the special education framework, emphasizing the necessity of moving towards a system that is transparent and focused on delivering adequate services.

Transcript Highlights:

• snde system which is a multi-tiered snde system which is a multi-tiered reading<00:52:12.559>
• My one other question is: I don't know if you came in at Tier 4 license or came in through Tier 3 to
• Tier 4.
• <01:02:18.359> four yes as a case manager and a tier four yes as a case manager and a tier
• For a Tier 1 licensed teacher, um, it's easier if you're out of state to get that Tier 1 license.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to follow along, the LFC volumes you'll notice the investment Smith Performance Report on
• But in addition we have a focus on jobs, and we're working with about 30 top-tier venture capital groups
• And so I guess the question that I'd like to ask is, is here performing with the people that you have
• Part of what these top-tier venture capital companies provide is access to nationwide networks, access
• So, I think that's going to be your tier five. right, Madam Chair, Representative Vincent, tier two.

Keywords: 996, all