Transcript Highlights:

• When the Senate was developing its proposal, they submitted that to the Senate Parliamentarian.
• But if you look at the changes that are being proposed.
• The Institute of Education Sciences would be cut by 67% in that proposal.
• This is the proposal that is now making its way through Congress.
• The proposal is $261 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• for HB 1259, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1, adopting a conference draft 1 based on the amendments proposed
• for HB 1259, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1, adopting a conference draft 1 based on the amendments proposed
• for HB 1259, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1, adopting a conference draft 1 based on the amendments proposed
• HB 226 adopting a conference draft with the proposed amendments. Um, Chair Kila votes aye.
• Uh, adopting a CD1 based on the proposed amendments.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed bill offers a much more efficient and cost-effective remedy for victims. able to file an
• However, CoinFlip opposes certain language in SB1705 relating to proposed regulations.
• The initial proposal was for the construction of a 546,000 acre offshore wind farm that would have been
• Ultimately, the proposed offshore wind farm off the coast of Galveston generated no bids because the
• Is that the big statutory change, the difference between what's been proposed and what's not?

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

Transcript Highlights:

• But instead, the bill, the committee substitute in front of you, ...proposes that only those judges who
• other dispositive motions that generally happen through a judge reviewing a record, reviewing a proposed
• And with that, I'm happy to answer any questions you have about judicial pay or the timesheets proposals
• the pay raises, I would have loved to have seen the pay raises actually higher than what has been proposed
• And what I wanted to speak to you about is the proposed bill, the change to Section 33.02-115 of the

Bills: HB40

Keywords: law enforcement, sheriffs, constables, contracts, county authority

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence met to hear House Bill 1761, a broad judicial package focused on increasing judicial compensation and adding accountability and efficiency measures. The chair explained that HB 1707 and HB 2100 were withdrawn from the agenda, and that HB 1761 would be taken up first because many judges and stakeholders were present. The committee substitute for HB 1761 proposed a 30% increase in base judicial pay to $182,000, changes to judicial retirement linkage, stronger judicial conduct provisions, and efficiency measures such as targeted reporting for judges not meeting benchmarks, appellate in-person meeting encouragement, and time limits on certain motions. The chair and several supporters said judicial pay had reached “emergency status,” citing Texas’s low national ranking and difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified judges. Witnesses in support included presiding and district judges, the State Bar’s judicial section, business and trial lawyer groups, and prosecutors. They emphasized that many judges work long hours off the bench, handle warrants at night and on weekends, manage heavy dockets, and face recruitment problems in both urban and rural counties. Supporters also said higher pay would help attract experienced lawyers, retain judges, and improve court efficiency. Several witnesses and members discussed judicial accountability, including public reporting of court performance and the role of the Texas Supreme Court and presiding judges in setting benchmarks. Some members raised concerns that raw statistics can be misleading because judges also do substantial off-the-bench work and often help cover other courts’ dockets. There was also testimony and discussion about the bill’s conduct and discipline provisions. A representative of the Texas Civil Rights Project opposed parts of the bill that would tie pay raises to changes affecting judicial independence, warning about subjective bail-related discipline standards and possible chilling effects. The executive director of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct cautioned against civil penalties for complainants, saying it could discourage good-faith complaints and create litigation risks. Other witnesses supported accountability reforms but urged caution about unintended consequences, especially for family and emergency cases and for judges handling warrants and other time-sensitive matters. After testimony, the committee withdrew the committee substitute and left HB 1761 pending, then recessed the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, I guess I just wanted to say that it's like, you know, we could, this is a proposal to
• And, you know, I guess I just wanted to say that it's like, you know, we could, this is a proposal to
• And, you know, I guess I just wanted to say that it's like, you know, we could, this is a proposal to
• to kind of we could this is a proposal to kind of do<00:19:54.640> a<00:19:54.960> little<
• And, you know, I guess I just wanted to say that it's like, you know, we could, this is a proposal to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In this proposal, we're asking for a reappropriation of the $38,756,000 for the construction phase of
• In 2020, Governor Newsom announced a proposal to merge the three programs.
• We want to thank you for having us today and considering our budget change proposals.
• nine proposals up for discussion today: eight in issue six and one in issue seven.
• If you wish, I can provide a summary of each proposal.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• have been referred to this committee, but it is not in our intent to debate the language of those proposed
• The panelists will, however, It is not in our intent to debate the language of those proposed bills,
• You need to prepare detailed plans, location of proposed facilities within the right-of-way, and design
• If you are proposing to provide broadband or whatever utilities in the future, we have to look at our
• If you are proposing to provide broadband or whatever utilities in the future, we have to look at our

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote. The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation. A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the utilities approached the commission in roughly 1993 and 1994, proposing a self-insurance approach
• Can I, can we just see when you go to propose a plan to get approved to get paid for, just where you're
• Can I, can we just see when you go to propose a plan to get approved to get paid for?
• we just see when you go to propose a plan to get approved, to get paid for, just where you're plotting
• That's what else we're proposing in these flood zone areas and these storm surge areas, going back and

Summary: The committee met to hear invited presentations on storm recovery and storm protection from the Florida Public Service Commission, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy, Tampa Electric, Chesapeake Utilities, and the Office of Public Counsel. The PSC reviewed the history of storm restoration financing and utility hardening efforts after major storms such as Hurricane Andrew, the 2004-05 hurricane seasons, Irma, and Michael, explaining storm reserve funds, storm recovery bonds, and the current three-year storm protection plan process. The commission’s role in approving plans and later reviewing prudence of actual costs was emphasized, along with the types of work included in the plans such as vegetation management, pole replacement, undergrounding, feeder hardening, and substation flood protection. The utilities described their own storm-hardening investments and recent storm performance. FPL said it has spent about $4.9 billion on storm protection and recovery-related efforts, highlighted improved restoration times during Helene and Milton, and said it is expanding undergrounding, feeder hardening, and smart-grid technology. Duke Energy reported more than 40,000 hardened poles and structures since 2021, major gains from self-healing grid technology, and faster restoration during recent storms. Tampa Electric described a roughly $200 million annual storm protection effort, including vegetation management, undergrounding, substation hardening, and new storm surge protections, and Chesapeake Utilities discussed its smaller-scale hardening program, vegetation work, pole replacement, and rapid restoration after Helene in Nassau County. Committee members asked about how utilities prioritize neighborhoods for lateral hardening, whether maps of planned projects could be shared, how much each utility has spent on undergrounding and hardening, and how reliability comparisons are normalized against the national average. Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler argued that storm recovery and hardening costs fall too heavily on investor-owned utility customers, said the current framework lacks a meaningful cost-benefit or prudence check at the planning stage, and urged broader sharing of storm costs because the benefits extend to the whole state. Senators also discussed whether the commission can review the reasonableness of approved programs and whether future reports or recommendations from Public Counsel would be helpful. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• governor may issue topics for a special session; however, he may not limit the specific language of any proposed
• Senator Middleton proposed an amendment for consideration.
• Senator Schwertner discussed economic impacts of the proposed legislation.

Bills: SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB 2, SB 3, SB 4, SB 5, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 9, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 14, SB 15, SB 16, SB 17, SB 18, SB 34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB34

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, first measure is HB 226, relating to windshield tinting, and the proposed time to reconvene will
• Okay, first measure is HB.226, ready to windshield tinting, and the proposed time to reconvene will be
• If you're okay with it, I'd like to propose reconvening tomorrow, April 22nd, at 10:30 a.m. in Conference

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SJR 84 by Bettencourt proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for
• SJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial
• SJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial

Bills: SJR27, SJR39, SB22, SB33, SB34, SB37, SB209, SB310, SB326, SB505, SB605, SB618, SB732, SB762, SB769, SB783, SB819, SB825, SB870, SB964, SB1030, SB1080, SB1085, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1233, SB1314, SB1320, SB1333, SB1398, SB1405, SB1541, SB1567, SB1596, SB1598, SB1625, SB1646, SB1662, SB1750, SB1758, SB1791, SB1804, SB1810, SB1818, SB1838, SB1855, SB1869, SB1951, SB2024, SB2077, SB2078, SB2252, SB2253, SB2368, SB2411, SB2420, SB2425, SB2569

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department

Transcript Highlights:

• SJR 84 by Betancourt proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for
• SJR 27 proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the state commission on judicial
• SJR 27 proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the state commission on judicial

Transcript Highlights:

• We will adopt the proposed amendment submitted by Alans, which on page 19, line 16, proposes to strike
• Uh, we've received some proposed amendments by Maui Health, and we are waiting for prior concurrence,

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on March 27, 2025, for a decision-making agenda on measures previously heard in subject matter committees. The committee recommended passage of HB 48 (coffee labeling) and HB 702 (pharmacy) without amendment, and both measures were adopted without objections. HB 97 (travel insurance) was recommended for passage with a committee amendment to replace the phrase “delivery of” with “sending” on page 19, line 16, to align the bill with the model act; the amended measure was adopted. The committee also recommended passage of HB 534 (labeling requirements), HB 951 (prescription drugs), and HB 1422 (motor carriers) without amendment, and each was adopted without reservations or objections. For HB 799 (health care), the committee deferred decision-making until Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 10:05 a.m. in Conference Room 229 because proposed amendments from Maui Health were still awaiting prior concurrence. Senator McKel and Senator Richards were noted as excused. After completing action on the agenda items, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there are positives that are inside the governor's proposal.
• However, um I just have to say proposal.
• I recall the administration actually proposed an AI proposal last session that didn't advance.
• and they had an AI actually proposed and they had an AI proposal<01:25:39.480> last<01:25:39.800
• <01:25:52.320> with There there have been uh proposals with There there have been uh proposals

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on March 2 and approved the February 23 minutes after a quorum was reached. The main presentation was from the Department of Human Services on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), a federally required Medicaid benefit that helps Minnesota Health Care Program enrollees get to medically necessary appointments. DHS said the program served more than 250,000 people in 2025 at a cost of $127 million, with participation up about 14% over five years, and described the seven transportation modes, provider enrollment requirements, STS certification, background checks, prior authorization rules, and planned transitions to a single administrator for parts of the program in 2026 and 2027. DHS officials emphasized fraud prevention efforts, saying NEMT is one of the agency’s high-risk Medicaid services. They described enhanced prepayment review, provider revalidation and site visits, removal of inactive providers, and a provider moratorium in metro counties. Inspector General James Clark said the governor’s anti-fraud proposal would add pre-enrollment risk assessments, more staffing and technology, and electronic visit verification. He also noted that about 80% of NEMT spending is in managed care and that managed care organizations have their own compliance and special investigations units. Committee members raised concerns about fraud, oversight, and privatization. Chair Robbins questioned DHS about the absence of the commissioner and the program’s use of brokers, citing past concerns and asking about the vendor MTM’s history; DHS said the RFP for the new broker had closed and the vendor selection was still underway. Representative Pinto questioned why oversight is outsourced to managed care organizations and suggested bringing more oversight back in house. MTM representative Phil Stahlberger defended the company’s record, said the Missouri dispute was about contract terms from about 15 years ago, and said MTM currently works in Minnesota counties and many other states, with on-site reviews, trip verification, and complaint review processes. No further votes or final actions on the NEMT policy were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we get proposals to make improvements, but I think those proposals now, when we get them, we should
• And we and and we get<01:27:37.120> proposals get proposals get proposals to<01:27:39.679>
• "Um, is that a problem that maybe a proposal is trying to solve?
• How does the department utilize these numbers in proposing tax policy?
• And, as a result, we saw the governor's proposal for the last budget where the state backed away from

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And my to proposed reductions.
• Together, the revenues generated from these proposals would have allowed us to address backlogs, meet
• all<00:50:54.559> longcoid proposes to eliminate all longcoid proposes to eliminate all
• I am here this morning in opposition to the proposed social media warning labels.
• I am here this morning in opposition to the proposed social media warning labels.

Bills: HF2435

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

Transcript Highlights:

• You, if I understand the bill correctly, you're not proposing to change the appeal process.
• If I read this correctly, do I read it that you're not proposing to change the appeal process?
• <00:25:18.640> bill, your bill, your proposed bill, your bill, your proposed bill, um<00:25
• What is there in this proposed question.
• funded building proposed taxpayer funded building projects,<02:01:39.840> etc.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what the ABA rule that's been proposed and has been sitting out there for many years would do.
• There we analyze, we look at proposed laws and comment on their effect on constitutional freedoms.
• This proposal is not just a cost savings; it's also about fairness and accountability.
• But again, I don't have a proposal or a solution for that.
• Let me just... ...Section 162 of the Texas Occupations Code and the proposed amendment.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending. Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 1803 proposes two changes to address special education requirements required by Minnesota
• House File 1803 proposes two changes to address special education requirements required by Minnesota
• House File 1803 proposes two changes to address special education requirements required by Minnesota
• House File 1803 proposes two changes to address special education requirements required by Minnesota
• These proposed changes enhance educator efficiency and ensure we focus on what truly impacts student

Bills: HF1124, HF1457, HF1803

Keywords: school calendar, education, school year, Labor Day, state law, school construction, landfill, dump site, closed landfill, contaminated site, pollution control agency, school siting, public school, charter school, environmental health, student safety, brownfield, solid waste, waste disposal site, site contamination

Transcript Highlights:

• So under the previous Trump administration, there was a proposed rule prohibiting ...
• will be re-proposed, as they were kind of just flagging things to expect.
• funding between idea proposal funding between idea proposal commitment<01:08:09.480> closing<
• You know, what is it, so that when a new proposal comes in, we can take a look at its proposed cost relative
• You know, what is it, so that when a new proposal comes in, we can take a look at its proposed cost relative

Keywords: 1187, senate, all