Transcript Highlights:

• It was so hard to listen to that testimony.
• We've heard testimony over the course of bills over the years, testimony in the House, testimony in the
• And we can talk more about some of these testimonies. They're difficult to read.
• We've heard testimony about that.
• There's been testimony about that, and it is a real problem.

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, approval of the previous journal, and messages from the House, then moved through several recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups. Members adopted resolutions recognizing the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America, Fine Arts Education Day, Donate Life Texas Day, Baha’i Capitol Day, County Government Day, Jack County Day, Crockett County Day, and a recognition of Navy Petty Officer Simon Urbanik for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chamber also heard remarks from visiting doctors, students, county officials, and community groups, with multiple senators speaking in support of military families, arts education, organ donation, and local government service. The Senate then took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2779, relating to the allocation and use of certain hotel occupancy tax revenues. Senator Birdwell said the bill would stop local governments from conditioning HOT funds on race- or class-based priorities and would require Galveston to transfer the full state rebate for beach cleaning and maintenance to its park board. After questions, the Senate suspended the rules, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed it, though the final vote showed significant opposition. The chamber also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2322, described as a cleanup bill removing the compelling-factor test for dispatchable generation from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. A major debate centered on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2253, which would phase out uncertified teachers in core classrooms and strengthen educator certification requirements. Senator Creighton argued the bill responds to a teacher pipeline crisis, adds parent notification, creates multiple preparation pathways, and provides financial incentives for certification; Senator West and Senator Sparks pressed for rural flexibility and implementation details. An amendment from Senator Gutierrez to add a teacher student-loan repayment program failed on a 11-17 vote, while other technical and fiscal amendments were adopted. The bill then passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2371, updating skimmer-reporting rules to cover electronic terminals beyond fuel pumps, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2351, relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit. Senate Bill 619, a conscience-protection bill for health care workers, drew extended questioning from Senators Cook, Eckhardt, and Menendez about patient abandonment, scope, and whether it could allow refusals of legal services such as vaccines, antibiotics, contraception, or personal care; despite those concerns, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment. Finally, the chamber began consideration of Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1169, which would allow public entities to form public utility agencies to cooperate on water and wastewater projects without eminent domain or cross-collateralization, with Senator Hinojosa explaining it as a tool for small and rural communities facing utility infrastructure problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:01.680> I'm it may come out in the testimony.
• I'm it may come out in the testimony. I'm not<00:08:02.000> sure.
• pleased to have your testimony. pleased to have your testimony.
• record, we welcome your testimony. record, we welcome your testimony.
• . testimony. testimony.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to give testimony, please fill out a witness card, completely sign it, and hand it to our
• Your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true. Green cards are for support.
• Yeah, thank you so much for your testimony. Thank you for being here. Mr. D.
• So, and I heard the some of the testimony. I think I missed the part I was looking for.
• Well, going back to the testimony and just explaining it, when an amendment where we... ...testimony

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 23 with a quorum present and began by announcing that HB 1142 was deferred. The committee then took up HB 1187, which would direct any excess Louisiana Citizens emergency assessment funds, after related debt is satisfied, toward the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program or future Citizens obligations. Commissioner Tim Temple and Rep. Sawyer said the bill would likely redirect about $50 million to the popular fortified roof grant program, which has already awarded thousands of roofs and is oversubscribed. With support from Citizens and others, the committee adopted technical amendments and reported HB 1187 favorably. The committee next considered HB 1210, a proposal by Rep. Dana Henry to create a pre-suit claim review process for Louisiana Citizens disputes modeled on Florida’s system. After explaining that the bill was prompted by constituent concerns about rising homeowners insurance costs, Henry voluntarily deferred the bill and instead moved toward a study resolution. The substitute version, which would have allowed Citizens disputes to be resolved through the Division of Administrative Law, was adopted for discussion, but the bill was ultimately voluntarily deferred after testimony from Citizens and the department supporting further study. HB 1199, by Rep. Jordan, would require coverage for genetic testing and medically necessary treatment for SCN2A-associated disorders. After adopting an amendment clarifying that coverage depends on provider order and medical necessity, the committee heard emotional testimony from a parent describing her daughter’s severe SCN2A condition and the difficulty obtaining genetic testing. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up HB 880, the Louisiana Artificial Intelligence Insurance Fairness Act, which would regulate AI use in underwriting, rating, and claims. Jordan said the bill raised state-federal insurance regulatory issues and could jeopardize federal broadband funding, so he voluntarily deferred it; HB 920 was also voluntarily deferred. Finally, the committee considered HB 1221, by Rep. Amadee, which would narrow data collection under the surplus lines premium tax system to protect policyholder privacy. Former Rep. Bowler argued the department should not collect names, addresses, or coverage limits and that the bill would preserve privacy without affecting tax collection. The Department of Insurance said the broader data is needed for premium tax reconciliation, fraud detection, and post-disaster assistance. After debate, a motion to report HB 1221 favorably failed on a 6-6 roll call. The committee then moved on to HB 869 by Rep. Lyons, a health insurance bill covering injectable drugs for glucose or weight-loss treatment, but the transcript ends before further action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
• <00:20:48.799> Uh,<00:20:49.280> next >> Thank you for your testimony.
• Uh, next >> Thank you for your testimony.
• your testimony. your testimony.
• Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. Thank you. Thank you.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, so as with general testimony in this committee, we will have two minutes on the board.
• Okay, there was no testimony? No. Okay. Mr. Chair, I'll explain my vote.
• I think, as we heard, we did hear testimony prior that was discussing the now desire for that Wilcox
• Cook's testimony, and I'm with just the example, and I love eggs. Senator Dunn couldn't tell you.
• As we heard in the testimony, agricultural property is already very favorably taxed.

Bills: HB2014, HB2031, HB2078, HB2102, HB2103, HB2117, HB2261, HB2262, HB2264, HB2278, HB2428, HB2494, HB2756, HB2758, HB2762, HB2782, HB2932, HB2933, HB2986

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, water rights, groundwater, Willcox, active management area, certificate of grandfathered rights, Arizona legislature, aggregate mining, reclamation plans, environmental protection, public safety, land use, domestic water, improvement district, water delivery, water hauling

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much for your testimony. Next is Christy Lee. And Ms.
• That concludes our public testimony. The President has extended this meeting.
• That concludes our public testimony.
• And sometimes the testimony is showing that there were testimonies of it being medically, and then someone
• And sometimes the testimony is showing that there were testimonies of it being medically, and then someone

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views about abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board applies Florida statutes and works through probable cause panels and legal counsel, but he also expressed strong pro-life views, skepticism of federal health guidance, and criticism of vaccines and some medical practices. Supporters praised his long medical career, military service, and family medicine background, while opponents argued his views could prevent him from being objective in disciplinary matters. The committee voted to recommend him for confirmation to the full Senate, with Senators Polsky and Ruson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch described her background in state human services and outlined priorities centered on accountability, data, lived experience, and improving service delivery. Senators asked about SNAP error rates, Hope Florida, legislative analyses, staffing, and the department’s handling of child welfare and medically complex cases. Hatch said the department was reducing SNAP error rates, that Hope Florida uses navigators to connect people with community resources and self-sufficiency supports, and that DCF is working with the Department of Health and other partners to improve investigations and accountability in child welfare. She also said the agency is reviewing medically complex cases and strengthening oversight of community-based care providers through contracts, audits, and proposed funding-model changes. A substantial portion of the Hatch discussion centered on whether the department had been responsive to legislative requests and whether it had provided timely bill analyses. Senators also pressed her on Hope Florida staffing, the number of participants served, and the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance and legal oversight. Hatch said the foundation is undergoing a financial audit and that the department is relying on required reports and ongoing investigations. The transcript ends amid continued questioning about a community-based care contractor’s finances, related-party transactions, and whether further forensic audits or repayments are needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no further public testimony, we are in debate. Seeing no debate, on your bill.
• We do have public testimony.
• Seeing no further public testimony, we are in debate on the bill. Any debate?
• In the packet I did provide through parent testimonies, three physician statements.
• We are in public testimony. We have Dr.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote. Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just ask everyone to limit their testimony to make sure we have an opportunity to get to everybody
• We just ask everyone to limit their testimony to make sure we have an opportunity to get to everybody
• Seeing none, testimony is closed. Thank you.
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau is in support of this testimony. Thank you.
• <00:15:17.279> that according to your folks's testimony that according to your folks's testimony

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 345, which would establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kua Ulu Aumo testified in strong support, saying the designation could help protect endemic shrimp in anchialine pools and increase public education and awareness. In response to questions, DLNR said it would use existing education programs, press releases, and partnerships for statewide outreach and was not seeking a separate appropriation for that purpose. Members then took up SCR 132 and SR 111, which encourage adoption of recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration on climate justice and sustainable development. Greenpeace Hawaii supported the measures, arguing that plastic production is tied to fossil fuel interests and that microplastics pose serious health and environmental risks. The committee later adopted the measures with amendments, including a change from “waste hierarchy” to “zero waste hierarchy” and technical edits. The final measures, SCR 157 and SR 127, urged the state to adopt and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. DLNR testified that it had only just reviewed the resolution but stood on its written testimony. The committee passed SCR 157 and SR 127 as is. The meeting also included a separate hearing on SCR 89 and SR 72, which would create a University of Hawaiʻi Community College pathway for meat processing. The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the idea, citing workforce needs and local protein supply, while several members raised concerns about whether a formal educational pathway or degree requirement might unnecessarily limit entry into the field; discussion focused on whether the proposal should be more vocational and whether there is enough data on workforce demand. No final vote on those measures was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. I have no other testifiers signed up.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1999 informationally only, with no formal action taken. Representative Green explained that the bill addresses large and sometimes anonymous data requests made to school districts and other government entities, arguing that while public access to data is essential, some requests create significant staff and cost burdens when requesters do not follow through. She described examples from districts that spent thousands of dollars preparing data that was never inspected, and said the bill aims to add accountability while preserving open government and press access. Testifiers largely supported the bill’s goals but discussed technical changes. Matt Eling of Minnesotans for Open Government said the amendment largely codifies existing guidance on handling large requests by breaking them into components and allowing inspection or copying in stages. Superintendent Jeff Felson of Owatonna Public Schools said his district had received 12 anonymous requests in three years, nine of which were abandoned, costing about $40,000, and one large request cost more than $400,000 and required significant staff time. Rich Newmeister also supported the effort but raised concern about language referring to providing data on a “rolling basis,” suggesting training and clearer guidance for districts instead. Members asked whether school districts already set their own data-request policies, whether anonymous requests must be answered, and how the bill would affect private personnel data. Representative Green said districts do have their own policies, anonymous requests are allowed under current law, and the bill is meant to provide clearer statutory guidance. She also said she was open to removing the “rolling basis” language after feedback. The discussion ended with general support for the bill’s intent and a reminder from the chair that the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and thank you for your testimony. Ms.
• So, you know, whether it's and some of this was in my testimony and these are just some examples.
• Thank you, and thank all of you for your testimony.
• Thank you to the panel for all of your testimony.
• In my testimony, as was mentioned by Ms.

Keywords: affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is submitted testimony from Common Cause, and I think they're in the room, but they just submitted
• a written piece of testimony for you saying that they are in favor of the bill.
• <00:02:42.239> from<00:02:42.640> common is um submitted testimony from common is um
• submitted testimony from common cause<00:02:44.000> uh<00:02:44.120> and<00:02:44.400>
• for you um saying piece of testimony for you um saying that<00:02:50.040> they<00:02:50.159><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• and proceed with your testimony. and proceed with your testimony.
• . testimony. testimony.
• If you could just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony. He's muted.

Bills: HF4456, HF4544, HF3698

Keywords: data broker, data brokerage, consumer privacy, personal data, data privacy, Minnesota attorney general, registration, public registry, civil penalties, enforcement, special revenue fund, privacy rights, data sales, data collection, consumer protection, chapter 325M, controller, processor, data broker registry, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we stand on our written testimony in full support.
• testimony, but in very very strong testimony, but in very very strong support<00:18:53.159> and
• In very strong support, you have my written testimony.
• Thank you very much. support, you have our written testimony support, you have our written testimony
• testimony? It's John De Parts. testimony? It's John De Parts.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s message nominations to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s advisory board. The first nominee, Daniel O’Leary, received strong support from HTA leadership and Deputy Director James Kunane Tokioka, who praised his visitor-industry knowledge and work on brand marketing and tourism planning. O’Leary said he hoped to contribute his experience and strengthen the organization’s integrity. Joel Guy was also supported by HTA, Tokioka, and several community testifiers, who highlighted his long work in Hana, his film-industry background, and his role in community-focused tourism planning. During questioning, Guy said the advisory board should still have influence, especially on strategic planning and community concerns, even though its role is advisory rather than decision-making. The committee then considered Linda Wong’s nomination. HTA and Tokioka strongly supported her, citing her long community experience and familiarity with HTA work. Wong said the new advisory board was collaborative, had no conflicts so far, and was trying to balance resident concerns with attracting higher-value tourists. Senator Kim questioned her about the advisory structure, and Wong said she believed the Legislature had reduced HTA’s authority because of past conflicts but that the new board could help turn things around and possibly regain more authority in the future. The committee also heard testimony on Kimberly Algos and Terry Fisher. Algos was described by HTA and Tokioka as a strong leader and solid board member; Tokioka explained that she and another co-chair were selected because of their busy schedules and that the advisory board’s committees were created so members could contribute beyond the single statutory duty of selecting the chair, president, and CEO. Fisher was supported for his tour-operator experience and strategic planning work. In questioning, he endorsed performance-based contracting and accountability for contractors, while acknowledging that external events can affect results. He also said the convention center is critical infrastructure that should be repaired and used to help fill tourism lulls and attract major conferences. The hearing included supportive testimony from industry representatives, but no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, then begin your testimony, please. >> Yeah, I appreciate it.
• testimony and for uh hearing this bill. testimony and for uh hearing this bill.
• Please step to the table and begin your testimony after you introduce yourself.
• If it sounds >> Public testimony is closed.
• Begin your testimony after stating your name, please. >> Uh, thank you.

Bills: HF1323, HF3500

Keywords: undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, funding, storm damage relief, Bemidji State University, reforestation, state appropriations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no more questions, we will proceed to testimony.
• for your testimony, Mr. for your testimony, Mr.
• Thank you very much for the testimony and for the thank-yous.
• I know testimony and for the thank yous.
• Please introduce yourself and proceed with your testimony. Hello.

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and thank you for your testimony.
• Curious though um as I as I testimony.
• Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. So the final pink card that I have here is from Mr.
• I think with testimony<02:29:07.520> from<02:29:07.680> the<02:29:07.840> municipal<
• /c> testimony from the municipal testimony from the municipal association,<02:29:09.040> the<02

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate your testimony today. Uh, John Larson, you're up. Come. Thank you.
• <00:53:25.079> today so much appreciate your testimony today so much appreciate your testimony
• Grant, very much for your testimony. I will then close testimony.
• Belton, very much for your testimony. I've got Titus up next.
• Great testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• will um hand it over to uh testimony Mr. will um hand it over to uh testimony Mr. Chair.
• yourself and begin your testimony. yourself and begin your testimony.
• for hearing my testimony. for hearing my testimony.
• for your testimony. Thank you, Mr. for your testimony. Thank you, Mr.
• Chair and testimony. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:53:51.640> thank name and uh begin your testimony thank name and uh begin your testimony
• Zimmer finished his testimony.
• testimony testimony sure<01:12:50.080> Kendall<01:12:50.440> qus<01:12:51.000> resident
• Please begin your testimony. Thank you, Mr.
• Please begin your testimony. Superintendent Evans will be able to speak to this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Kanson began his testimony.
• So when you come to the table, please state your name and start your testimony.
• <00:58:43.839> thank your name before your testimony thank your name before your testimony
• "Yes, state your name and begin your testimony."
• Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house