Transcript Highlights:

• These excellent supports provided access for my...
• I will always need these types of supports in my lifetime to provide...
• with the way he supports and opposes things.
• We appreciate your support.
• We appreciate your support. Thank you.

Keywords: special education, funding, equity, advocacy, Texas Legislature, SB568, HB2, disabilities

Summary: This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work. Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts. Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cod in 1999, Marie became a cornerstone of the Haitian-American community, fostering connection and support
• The members of the Westborough girls varsity volleyball team demonstrate remarkable sportsmanship and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate session was largely ceremonial and began with the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of the Wellesley swim team for winning its fifth straight state championship. Members praised the team’s consistency and accomplishment, but no formal action was taken on that recognition. The chamber then adopted a motion that the Senate adjourn in memory of Marie Nancy Azor of Harwich, honoring her life, community service, work as a nursing assistant and later licensed practical nurse, and her support of family and local youth sports. The motion prevailed, followed by a moment of silence. The Senate also welcomed and honored two championship athletic teams: the Tri-County High School football team for winning the MIAA small school state vocational Super Bowl, their first such title, and the Westborough girls varsity volleyball team for winning its third consecutive MIAA Division II state championship. Members and guests congratulated the students, coaches, and families. Finally, the Senate adopted an adjournment order and adjourned to meet again Monday at 11:00 a.m., again in memory of Marie Nancy Azor.

Transcript Highlights:

• a population under 9,500 or a parish with a population under 12,000 when that local government demonstrates
• Members, I have a green card in support by Mayor Sullivan, who just spoke.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay met on April 22 and first approved the January 15, 2026 minutes. The committee then elected Representative Bacala as vice chair by acclamation after Senator Womack nominated him and no other nominations were offered. The main item of business was a request from the City of Donaldsonville for a waiver of the local match requirement for a capital outlay project, Project 50-M68-25-01, the Stormwater Resilience Project (planning and construction). Committee staff explained that under a 2025 law, municipalities under 9,500 population may receive a full or partial match waiver if they can show an inability to provide the match without mismanagement or misconduct. Staff said Donaldsonville, with a 2020 census population of 6,695, met the eligibility threshold and recommended approval. Mayor Leroy Sullivan testified that the city has a high poverty rate, has previously managed state-funded projects responsibly, and needs the waiver to address drainage and flooding issues in an area expected to see new development. Senator Lambert moved to approve the waiver, and the committee approved it without objection. With no further business, Representative McFarland moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So supporting higher education.
• So supporting higher education.
• need to feel supported.
• Students need more support.
• Success supports our students with academic supports, LGBTQ students and students of color.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 budget for education and local aid. Opening remarks from Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Pat Duffy, and local leaders emphasized the importance of education funding for Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, with Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero highlighting the city’s high-need student population, Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, early college and career pathways, and the need for sustained support to close achievement gaps. The Education Secretariat testified in support of the budget, with Acting Secretary Amy Kershaw outlining investments in early literacy, universal pre-K, student mental health, school meals, high school redesign, higher education affordability, and early childhood systems. Commissioner Noi Ortega described higher education proposals including expanded free community college, continued free tuition at public four-year institutions, student success funding, early college and dual enrollment investments, and the Bright Act and Drive Act. Commissioner Pedro Martinez detailed K-12 proposals such as full Student Opportunity Act funding, increased Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, literacy initiatives, and a new Accelerating Achievement Initiative aimed at schools with the greatest needs. Commissioner Kershaw also described early education proposals including funding for C3, child care financial assistance, CPPI, workforce supports, and administrative funding restoration. Committee members questioned the administration about the pending local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to address health care and other cost drivers in school funding. Officials said the local contribution report is expected by the end of June and that a draft will be shared for public comment after data analysis is complete. Members also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities between districts and urged a broader review of the formula. In response, the commissioners said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but further work is needed, and they pointed to the new achievement initiative, literacy efforts, and early college expansion as ways to improve outcomes. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to support this legislation. restrictions. I urge you to support this legislation.
• We continue to support universal school meals and have witnessed amazing impact of state support.
• So supporting higher education.
• need to feel supported.
• Students need more support.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• These bills would reduce losses, improve insurability, and support the Sustainable Insurance Strategy
• I would respectfully ask this committee to support these federal efforts so that California homeowners
• When I was not suggesting that we not do this, I've been supportive of, as you know.
• And so they're demonstrating that, they're acknowledging that in the rules.
• And so they're demonstrating that, they're acknowledging that in the rules.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held an oversight hearing on the Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS), with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara providing a detailed update on implementation after the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Lara said the strategy has helped stabilize the market, speed claims payments, and keep insurers in California, citing $22.4 billion paid to wildfire survivors, 94% of 4,121 claims paid fully or partially, $210 million returned through department investigations, and a 27% reduction in claim closure time. He said major insurers, including Mercury, CSAA, USAA companies, Pacific Specialty, and California Casualty, have filed under SIS, with several more filings pending, and that approvals have generally been completed within 100 days of public notice. He also discussed modernization of rate review, a new data reconciliation tool, a planned regulation to require rate reviews within 60 days plus a possible 30-day extension, and ongoing work on Fair Plan oversight, wildfire risk modeling, and mitigation standards such as Zone Zero. Committee members focused on wildfire survivor non-renewals, Fair Plan growth, claim handling timelines, and whether new legislative proposals could help or hinder market stability. Lara said visible consumer relief should begin in 12 to 24 months, with broader market stabilization expected over three to five years, and emphasized that mitigation, faster rate review, and insurer participation are key to reducing reliance on the Fair Plan. He also highlighted his 22-bill package, including SB 876 on disaster claims handling, AB 1795 on smoke damage standards, AB 1680 on Fair Plan accountability, and reforms to the intervener process. Members raised concerns about balancing consumer protections with insurer participation, and Lara said the Legislature should weigh those tradeoffs through the committee process. Public commenters were divided but generally acknowledged the importance of the issue. Consumer and survivor advocates argued that insurers still delay or underpay claims and that more protections are needed, while industry representatives praised the department’s work and urged caution so the new system is not undermined. Several speakers stressed the need for mitigation, Zone Zero rules, and adequate rates, while others warned that wildfire and liability insurance problems are affecting foster care providers, commercial coverage, and utility wildfire costs. The hearing concluded with the committee adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your presence here reflects the importance of the work that we're doing together to both support and
• Services, support, and accountability.
• We have to find ways to balance meaningful consequences with support.
• We are very appreciative of the support that we have received from the State.
• With state support, this would Provide for better regionalization of detention centers and ensure that

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today, uh, to testify in support of HB 231.
• Supporting this bill is not just good policy, it's an act of compassion.
• I urge you to support.
• I'm a policy coordinator with the Texas Women's Healthcare Coalition, and we're testifying in support
• Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony in support of HB 1786 this morning.

Bills: HB231

Keywords: HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• Pharmacist in support.
• Respectfully ask for your support at the appropriate time. Thank you.
• And with me today in support is Dr.
• Great, any folks wish to express support in the room?
• Anyone in the room wish to express support? Okay. Any opposite? Great.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of Resolution 8661.
• Thank you for bringing this forward and strong support for this resolution today.
• President, I rise in support of Senate Resolution 8661. I also want to thank Senator Nobles.
• Thank you for your support and for your leadership.
• I rise in support of Resolution 8661. We must persevere to achieve Dr.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:35.840><c> HF</c> for your time and urge you to support HF for your time and urge you to support
• Apparently, the lawyers made a mistake. kind of support. And as we heard in kind of support.
• Maybe they support what a decision.
• Support the bill.
• </c> elections, I will certainly um, support elections, I will certainly um, support that<01:26:51.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I am in support of House Bill 2592 and House Bill 273. Montgomery County.
• I am testifying in support of House Bill 2592.
• Deputy General Counsel for the Texas Bankers Association, and I'm here on behalf of our members to support
• House Bill 1720 demonstrates a commitment to the safety and security of these animals and their caregivers
• Thank you. in support of House Bill 1720.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:12.400><c> That's</c><00:22:12.760><c> when</c><00:22:12.920><c> we</c> on a demonstration
• That's when we on a demonstration basis.
• We are supported very much so by the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Health and Human Services.
• We<00:58:52.680><c> are</c><00:58:52.960><c> supported</c><00:58:54.200><c> very</c><00:58:54.560><c>
• much</c><00:58:54.840><c> so</c><00:58:55.120><c> by</c><00:58:55.360><c> the</c> We are supported very

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published. Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2. Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:18.840><c> as</c> academic and residential support as academic and residential support as
• </c> Community organizations who support Community organizations who support victims<00:11:37.480><c>
• Title 9 um I am in support of this bill Title 9 um I am in support of this bill of<00:14:08.199><c> course
• </c> and utki and I appreciate your support and utki and I appreciate your support uh<01:28:14.520><c
• </c> we can find some resources to support we can find some resources to support them<01:52:27.040><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• Thank you all for your time and support. support many young people in the Twin support many young people

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What that demonstrates to Minnesotans is we don't have a revenue problem.
• What that<00:01:21.920><c> demonstrates</c><00:01:22.479><c> to</c><00:01:22.720><c> motans</c><00:01
• So the bottom line here, supported by this forecast information, is that we have again both a spending
• So the bottom line here here here is<00:03:26.560><c> supported</c><00:03:27.040><c> by</c><00:03:27.200
• ><c> this</c><00:03:27.519><c> forecast</c> is supported by this forecast is supported by this forecast

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Republican legislative leaders in Minnesota held a budget-focused press availability after the November forecast, thanking Minnesota Management and Budget staff while arguing the updated numbers show a much worse deficit outlook than expected. They said the state faces a structural spending problem, cited projected gaps in the 2028-29 biennium and over the four-year outlook, and blamed recent deficits on higher spending, tax increases, mandates, and what they described as fraud in state programs. They also criticized Governor Walz for focusing on federal issues and for not doing enough to control spending or address fraud. Speaker Lisa Demuth, House Republican Leader Harry Niska, and Senate Finance lead Eric Pratt all said the forecast underscores the need for spending restraint, pro-growth policies, and stronger fraud prevention. They pointed to health care, long-term care, Medicaid-related programs, and local government mandates as major cost drivers, and said the legislature should examine those areas in the upcoming session. Demuth said the state should not ignore fraud and noted that the legislature had added staff to the Office of the Legislative Auditor and whistleblower protections, but had not passed an independent inspector general office. A substantial portion of the exchange centered on fraud investigations and comments by President Trump about Somali Minnesotans. The Republican leaders said they disagreed with condemning any community as a whole, but also said they shared frustration over fraud and corruption and wanted accountability for those responsible. They said the state’s fraud problem is not about any one community, but about failures in administration and oversight. The lawmakers said they would return to session on February 17 and continue working on budget and fraud-related issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:01.039><c> with</c> pursue as a State um we support with pursue as a State um we support with
• </c><00:28:46.799><c> with</c> and then lastly we um support with and then lastly we um support with
• </c> critical to our being able to support critical to our being able to support both<01:15:09.560><c
• </c><01:23:17.679><c> and</c> including General funds supported and including General funds supported
• and trunk highway fund-supported.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Applause or other audible demonstrations Applause or other audible demonstrations are<00:01:14.200
• </c><00:25:43.280><c> conservative</c> groups supporting conservative groups supporting conservative
• Please support SF 4147.
• Please support SF 4147. of us thrive. Please support SF 4147. Thank<00:32:06.560><c> you.
• </c> that they won't support that either. that they won't support that either.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My direct team support is Mr....” “...supporting us. My direct team support is Mr. King Chisler.
• Yes, you have my support.
• How can we get support?
• These are what the CERC supports.
• And we 100% support having... ...of expert knowledge, I think, and we 100% support having the DNFSP in

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• They supported major environmental gains, enabled the development of critical fueling infrastructure
• The progress made by TOTE and within the Port of Tacoma demonstrates what's possible when public policy
• supports innovation.
• So I absolutely support the recommendation that consideration of a different reporting model could help
• So, in conclusion, we're signed in pro and we support the JLARC report.

Summary: The Citizens Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on September 22, 2025, confirmed a quorum, and unanimously approved the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes. The main business of the meeting was public testimony on the 2025 tax preference reviews, with Commissioner Forsyth recusing himself for the first witness, Joey Halverson of Tote Maritime Alaska, who testified in support of the tax preference for natural gas as a transportation fuel. He argued that LNG has enabled major emissions reductions, supported infrastructure at the Port of Tacoma, and should continue to receive tax preferences to encourage further clean maritime fuel adoption. The second witness, Michelle Preston of Habitat for Humanity of Washington State, testified in support of the tax preference for low-income homeownership developers. She said the preference helps Habitat affiliates advance homeownership and sustain operations, but noted that reporting has been inconsistent across independent affiliates and that JLARC’s metrics may not fully capture the program’s benefits. Commissioners asked questions about affiliate accounting, the distinction between benefits to nonprofits versus homebuyers, and whether the reporting/renewal period should be shorter than the current seven years; Preston said the preference benefits the nonprofit developer, not the homebuyer, and suggested shorter renewal periods might improve compliance and awareness. JLARC staff then outlined the process for the commission’s upcoming comments on the 2025 tax preference reviews. Commissioners will receive a web-based comment form, with responses due September 30, the chair will compile consolidated comments, and those materials will be distributed for the October 21, 2025 meeting. The chair noted that only voting members will complete the comment forms, though individual members may also submit minority reports. The meeting ended with a reminder that written testimony could still be submitted to JLARC and that the next commission meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2025.