Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I'm happy to answer any questions, and I reserve my right to close. Thank you.
• I will reserve your right to close. The chair calls Keith Lutz.” “Good morning, Judge.
• With that, I reserve the right to close and would be happy to answer any questions. All right.
• With that, I'll reserve my right to close and would be happy to answer any questions.

Bills: HB4530, HB4931, HB5559, HB5560

Keywords: water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and first took up several pending bills for reconsideration and committee substitute adoption. House Bill 2692, relating to codification and clarification of local laws concerning the San Antonio River Authority, was reported favorably to the full House and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by an 11-0 vote. House Bills 1407, 1520, 1535, 2970, 4153, 291, 3663, and 3915 were also reconsidered or laid out as pending business, with committee substitutes adopted where needed and each bill reported favorably, generally by unanimous vote, to the full House and then to Calendars or Calendars/Calendars-related referral as applicable. The committee then heard House Bill 4530, which would expand the Texas Water Trust framework to include groundwater rights, require Texas Water Development Board review and approval of groundwater dedications, and notify local groundwater districts when groundwater rights are placed in the trust. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Chispa Texas supported the measure as a conservation tool and a way to create a clear process for voluntary donations; a Texas Water Development Board witness testified neutrally. The bill was left pending. House Bill 4931, relating to an aquifer storage and recovery project in Medina County, drew support from the author, the Medina County judge, and a regional water alliance witness, who described severe stress on the Edwards Aquifer, low levels at Medina Lake, and the need for a local water-supply tool. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5559, which would clarify enforcement of drought contingency plans for investor-owned water utilities and involve the PUC in model plan development, received support from groundwater district representatives but also concerns from water company and utility witnesses about enforcement authority, approval procedures, and potential conflicts with existing obligations to provide continuous service; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5560, which would raise the maximum civil penalty for certain groundwater conservation district enforcement actions from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation, prompted debate over whether current law is already sufficient; supporters said the higher cap would better deter overpumping, while opponents argued existing penalties are already severe. That bill was also left pending, and the committee adjourned subject to call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have huge cash reserves.
• And certainly out in the hinterlands of New Mexico, in Reserve, in Mosquero, there are none.
• And we're going to have to use our reserves.
• Medicaid, if they cut Medicaid, we will have to use our reserves because we have to have health care

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any votes with reservations? Any nay votes? Chair's recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
• 00:17:49.840><c> votes</c><00:17:50.000><c> with</c> there any votes with there any votes with reservations
• </c> reservations? Any nay votes? reservations? Any nay votes?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• provision of the introduced version of the bill, which of course pertains to the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
• There are a lot of various groups and entities here that reserved rooms a long time ago, so I apologize
• To add one more thing to this, ERCOT recently published in It's CDR, the Capacity Demand and Reserves
• could see large generation facilities essentially offline to the ERCOT market with dispatchable reserves

Bills: SB 6, SB6, SB504, SB765, SB815, SB929

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, delta-8, delta-9, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, edibles, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, retailer registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, minor access

Transcript Highlights:

• And in some of these cases, there are no reserve funds left.
• The language in the bill doesn't address reserve funds.
• Most reserve funds have targeted purposes.
• </c> in the bill doesn't address reserve in the bill doesn't address reserve funds. funds. funds.
• c> targeted</c> Most reserve funds have targeted Most reserve funds have targeted purposes. purposes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are</c><00:25:59.920><c> more</c><00:26:00.120><c> of</c><00:26:00.240><c> a</c><00:26:00.320><c> reserve
• c><00:26:01.200><c> and</c><00:26:01.480><c> we</c><00:26:01.600><c> do</c> officer are more of a reserve
• and we do officer are more of a reserve and we do have<00:26:02.120><c> here</c><00:26:02.880><c> uh
• </c> will be called to that as a reserve will be called to that as a reserve space.<00:26:15.440><c>
• group which is the conservation reserve group which is the conservation officer<00:26:44.160><c> um<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any members with reservations? Hearing none, recommendations adopted.
• Any members with reservations? Hearing none, recommendations adopted.
• Any members with reservations? Hearing none, recommendations adopted.
• Any members with reservations? Hearing none, recommendations adopted.
• </c><01:11:58.360><c> hearing</c> any members with reservations hearing any members with reservations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 110, HD1, which would clarify local food purchase goals for the Department of Education. DOE said it supports the measure and will work toward the 30% local food mandate by 2030. The Department of Agriculture also supported the bill, and outside advocates from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaii Farm to School Network strongly backed it as consistent with prior farm-to-school laws and helpful for measuring progress toward the goal. The committee then took up House Bill 293, which would exempt certain DOE purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products from electronic procurement rules and allow written-quote purchasing thresholds, including a lower quote requirement for some rural schools. DOE, the Department of Agriculture, the State Procurement Office, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported the measure, describing it as a tool to help the department test and add local products and meet the 30% goal. However, members pressed DOE on the bill’s purpose and mechanics, questioning why the department could not simply add products to vendor lists or use existing procurement flexibility. DOE explained it was trying to test new local products, including products not yet on the USDA-approved list, and said the bill would allow limited pilot purchases while it works through USDA approval and vendor-list updates. Members also raised concerns about whether the bill was being used to bypass procurement and whether small farmers or aggregators could realistically supply the needed volume. House Bill 1069, which would add two voting members representing DOE and the Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority, also drew support from DOE and the Board of Education. Supporters said the change would improve accountability, strategic input, and communication on school facilities matters. SFA testified that it has already increased coordination with DOE through regular meetings and that recent discussions have been more robust. Committee members questioned whether voting seats were necessary given that DOE and BOE could already attend meetings and receive updates, and they raised concerns about how a voting representative would report back and whether the measure would actually solve communication problems. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following the statute, each fiscal year the MPFA reserves available funds for these eligible projects
• </c><00:47:40.720><c> available</c><00:47:41.200><c> funds</c> year the mpfa reserves available funds
• year the mpfa reserves available funds for<00:47:41.920><c> these</c><00:47:42.160><c> eligible</c><
• to meet those estimated reserved to meet those estimated affordability<00:48:38.319><c> Grant</c><00
• </c><00:50:39.000><c> grant</c> annually and uh we then Reserve grant annually and uh we then Reserve

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no rigs on the reservation. That's the best rock in the world. This is Tier 2...
• No rigs on the reservation. That's the best rock in the world.
• Just kind of one last question way off the track here, but, you know, our strategic oil reserve in the
• The authorization triggers for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
• Chairman and Don, going back to the $500 million cap, that was put in place based on the reserves that

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee received a compliance and status update on Industrial Commission programs and the Bank of North Dakota. Staff reviewed appropriations and spending for several Industrial Commission funds and grant programs, including lignite research, oil and gas research, clean sustainable energy, grid resiliency, salt cavern analysis, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members discussed the timing of reimbursements, uncommitted balances, and the structure of the pipeline capacity and enhanced oil recovery funding. The Industrial Commission also reported on its administrative budget, grant management system project, and recent leadership transitions across several agencies. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described active grant rounds and the status of major projects. She said the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority approved three projects in its sixth round, with remaining uncommitted cash and loan capacity still available, though no new funding was appropriated this session. She also said the Oil and Gas Research Council approved six enhanced oil recovery projects and expects additional funding after a federal Department of Energy award replaces one project’s state funding. For grid resiliency grants, she said some projects have been funded, some commitments were returned or reallocated, and some DOE funds remain pending. She also updated the committee on the salt cavern business case study, which replaced an earlier larger development proposal, and on the NDSU research park grant, where the nonmatching portion was paid and the matching portion has moved slowly because the match must be in cash. Ron Ness then gave an extended presentation on enhanced oil recovery and North Dakota oil and gas trends. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, especially gas takeaway and projects like the Bakken East pipeline. He argued that enhanced oil recovery using CO2, natural gas, surfactants, and other methods could extend Bakken production for decades, but that the state needs more CO2 supply, better storage, and updated tax and regulatory incentives. Members asked about lateral lengths, CO2 availability, pipeline impacts, and the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Ness emphasized that the projects are intended to share technical learning across operators and attract follow-on investment. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and strategic update. President Don Morgan said the bank’s mission remains to support North Dakota agriculture, commerce, and industry while cooperating with the state’s financial sector. He reviewed the bank’s main business lines: participation lending with community institutions, student loans, disaster lending, mission-based programs, and a new fintech-focused effort. Morgan said deposits are flattening, so the bank is managing balance sheet growth carefully, while still reporting improved net income and strong efficiency. He also introduced Rough Rider Coin as a bank-to-bank payment rail, not a public cryptocurrency, intended to speed and modernize payments within North Dakota’s banking and credit union system. Committee members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster program use, and how credit lines and liquidity would be affected if deposits shrink.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone present wanting to vote with reservations or no?
• Anyone present wanting to vote with reservations or no?
• Anyone present wanting to vote with reservations or no?
• Anyone present wanting to vote with reservations or no?
• </c> reservations or no? reservations or no?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several gubernatorial nominations to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council and one nomination to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board. For GM 779, Mark Fong Su Wat said he would bring his experience as an electrician and labor community member to workforce development, and he committed to serving if confirmed. Testimony was unanimously supportive, with 10 in support and none opposed, and the committee voted to recommend advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted. For GM 792, Sheryl Cross sought a second term on the Workforce Development Council and described her work on employer engagement, military veteran affairs, and military spouse employment. In response to questions, she emphasized the need to better connect military spouses, underrepresented workers, and students pursuing trades or non-college pathways to jobs, including through school academies and online hiring initiatives. The item was held for later decision-making. For GM 793, Ashley Lohua, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council, said her focus would be helping people stay in Hawaii by improving job retention, listening to community concerns, and building pathways between sectors. Support testimony highlighted her work with marginalized communities and her empathy and leadership. She told the committee she would use her nonprofit and HR experience to help address vacancies and workforce barriers; the item was also held for later decision-making. For GM 774, Douglas Thomas Moore, nominated to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, said his first priority would be reducing the backlog. He proposed using informal conferences and mediation to speed workers’ compensation appeals and suggested recruiting more practitioners, especially younger ones, into the field. The committee noted 11 supportive testimonies and no opposition; no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the members present, any voting with reservations or objections?
• Of the members present, any voting with reservations, objections?
• Of the members present, are there any voting with reservations, objections?
• Of the members present, are there any voting with reservations, objections?
• </c> voting with reservations, objections? voting with reservations, objections?

Bills: HB1511, HB1535, HB1642, HB1753, HB1810, HB2282, HB2614

Keywords: consumer protection, unsolicited mail, unsolicited email, junk mail, spam email, deceptive marketing, misleading solicitation, high-pressure sales, vehicle warranty, auto warranty, service contract, home warranty, license renewal, registration renewal, government impersonation, affiliation disclosure, direct mail, email marketing, consumer fraud, refund

Summary: The committee heard several consumer-protection and insurance measures. HB 1511 HD2 would prohibit unsolicited mail or email using high-pressure tactics or falsely implying affiliation with another entity; it drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection, the DCCA Insurance Division, and the Service Contract Industry Council, with some written support and at least one opposition. HB 1535 HD2, concerning automated external defibrillators and a tax-related provision for devices installed in certain public accommodations, received comments from DOTAX and the Tax Foundation, with additional support from the Department of Health and other groups. HB 1642 HD1 would ban ownership or operation of digital financial asset transaction kiosks that accept U.S. currency; it was strongly supported by OCP, the Attorney General, and AARP, while kiosk operators and industry representatives opposed the ban and urged a regulatory approach instead, including licensing, transaction limits, refunds, and other safeguards. Members questioned whether federal action could preempt the bill and whether a licensure regime could be funded through a surcharge, but no action was taken during the discussion. The committee also took up HB 1753 on social media account deletion and permanent erasure of personal information, with OCP standing on its initial comments and TechNet and Will Caron in support. HB 1810 HD2 would impose prompt payment and financial reporting requirements on professional solicitors selling donated tangible property on behalf of charities; Goodwill Hawaii testified in strong support, emphasizing donor trust and transparency, and several nonprofit and business groups submitted supportive testimony. HB 2282 HD1, which would require explanations for premium increases and clarify insurance licensing and cancellation/non-renewal procedures, was supported by the Insurance Division and OCP; a vice chair asked for complaint data related to condo associations, and a member noted that the same agencies had previously opposed similar Senate bills. Finally, HB 2614 HD1 would require cosmetics merchants to accept returns of new or unopened goods within specified time frames and improve signage requirements; OCP said the bill addressed longstanding complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and no-return policies, citing over 180 complaints and survey results showing most complainants did not understand the policy and felt misled.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any no voter reservation?
• Any no votes or votes with reservations? Hearing none, Madam Chair, recommendations adopted.
• Any no votes or votes with reservations? Hearing none, Madam Chair, recommendations adopted.
• Any no votes or reservations? Hearing none, Madam Chair, recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• </c> Any no votes or votes or reservations? Any no votes or votes or reservations?

Bills: HB1688, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1915, HB1692, HB1524, HB1884, HB1523, HB2213, HB2186, HB2163, HB1908, HB1910

Keywords: general excise tax, aircraft maintenance, tax exemption, aviation industry, economic competitiveness, water carriers, automatic adjustment mechanism, regulatory compliance, rate adjustments, public utilities commission, Hawaii Revised Statutes, biosecurity, community outreach, transportation rates, vehicle ownership, salvaged vehicles, insurance settlement, electronic signatures, administrative efficiency, vehicle transfer

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2699, which would create a youth transit program within DOT and a special fund tied to the environmental response/energy/food security tax fund. The chair described support from several agencies but also noted Attorney General concerns about whether the special fund met statutory criteria, DOE comments requesting a July 1, 2026 effective date, and broader funding concerns because the bill would draw from general fund resources. The chair recommended deferral, saying the measure involved significant long-term costs and needed more work on a funding mechanism. The committee deferred the bill. The committee then heard SB 3182, relating to administrative license revocation procedures. HDOT supported the measure, while the Judiciary opposed the bill as written, citing operational, staffing, fiscal, and mailing burdens from requiring ADLRO to mail all case documents to every respondent within five days. Judiciary said it handles about 3,000 to 4,000 DUI cases annually and would need additional staff and certified-mail costs. Prosecutors from the state and county supported a proposed SD1 version, saying it would address backlog concerns and help DUI enforcement by creating a presumption of revocation. The committee ultimately recommended support and passage of SD1. The committee also heard SB 3313 on interisland air service stability and transformation. The Attorney General warned the bill could be preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act and raised constitutional concerns about a local-hire provision. DOTAX said the program would be complicated to administer and suggested third-party certification. No action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard SB 3337, which would eliminate state taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for motor vehicles; HDOT opposed it, while DOTAX provided comments and the Hawaii Transportation Association supported it. The transcript then moved to SB 2896, lowering the minimum age for commercial driving from 19 to 18. HDOT supported the bill, the Hawaii Transportation Association strongly supported it and suggested added training requirements, and an Operating Engineers representative supported the concept but urged that young drivers be tied to apprenticeship or other structured training programs. No vote was shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard SB 2400, which would exempt wing-in-ground craft from the Hawaii Waters Act and define those craft in law. The PUC supported the bill’s intent, and Regent Craft testified in strong support, describing sea gliders as all-electric vessels that could improve interisland access, resiliency, and decarbonization while using existing harbor infrastructure. HTDC and several other groups also supported the measure. Members asked about infrastructure, ports, weather operations, and Coast Guard jurisdiction, and the witness said operators would decide harbor locations and that the company had identified multiple possible ports. No final committee action was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And since the 1900s, our members have been taken from our reservation under false promises of treatment
• and healing, and... ...taken from our reservation under false promises of treatment and healing.
• The SMI designation is reserved for severe disabling brain disorders such as schizophrenia and severe
• So with this, I’m going to reserve the opportunity to be a yes vote on the floor.
• So I’m going to reserve the opportunity to be a yes vote on the floor. Right now, I’m a no on this.

Bills: SB1086, SB1193, SB1318, SB1345, SB1346, SB1451, SB1496, SB1611, SB1630, SB1631, SB1632, SB1672

Keywords: reimbursement, healthcare, laboratory services, noncontracting providers, Arizona health care cost containment, personal identifying information, PII, privacy, confidential records, public records exemption, commercial disclosure, data privacy, licensure, certification, health professions, health care licensing, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, emergency medical care technician, EMCT

Transcript Highlights:

• Our general operating reserve to cover that?
• Typically in the industry, you try to build up about a six to eight week claims reserve, which would
• I also want to highlight the Tax Stabilization Reserve.
• The Tax Stabilization Reserve was set up to be the state's rainy day fund.
• We also have the Tax Stabilization Reserve, the state's rainy day fund, which obviously requires high

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Garcia, reservations. May I take the vote for the Senate, please?
• </c><01:11:06.480><c> Reservations.</c> Representative Garcia. Reservations. Representative Garcia.
• Reservations.
• <c> the</c><01:11:08.560><c> vote</c><01:11:08.719><c> for</c> Reservations.
• May I take the vote for Reservations.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brook Conservation in Hollis, a nature educator at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
• It's not as though the output of any new plant built by this legislation will be reserved to ensure the
• <05:13:20.680><c> be</c> enabled by this legislation will be enabled by this legislation will be reserved
• reserved reserved to<05:13:22.520><c> ensure</c><05:13:22.840><c> the</c><05:13:22.960><c> energy</c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look on page one, line 17, the state of Idaho asserts its sovereignty and reserves all powers
• I just wanted to add one thing on line 34, page one: the phrase 'excluding Federal Reserve water rights
• I just wanted to add one thing on line 34, page one: the phrase 'excluding Federal Reserve water rights

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, February 25. It then introduced several RS measures: RS 33439, a cleanup bill striking duplicative language; RS 3344, which updates the Children’s and Library Protection Act framework by adding a definition of “adolescent minor” and narrowing harmful-material language; RS 33470 C1, which requires sub-district fire commissioners to be electors residing in the sub-district; RS 32895, removing obsolete code on securities lending; and RS 32900, repealing outdated liquor-code provisions, though members raised questions about why some repealed sections were still needed and the sponsor said the liquor division would likely need to return for further explanation. The committee then heard House Bill 650, sponsored by Representative Boyle and Representative Scott, which would place a statement of federalism and state sovereignty into Idaho Code. Supporters said it would reaffirm constitutional limits on federal and state power and help Idaho assert its position in disputes over federal overreach, land, water, and natural resources; the Idaho Farm Bureau testified in support. Opponents argued the bill was unnecessary, potentially unconstitutional, could create litigation costs, and raised concerns about tribal sovereignty and whether the measure created new legal standards beyond existing constitutional law. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to send House Bill 650 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The roll call passed 11-2, with Representatives Church and Haas voting no. The chair closed by praising the committee’s civil and substantive debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some concerns and reservations with supporting the motion.
• I initially supported the introduction, though I had a few reservations.
• My initial reservation was about whenever the government or the state starts to assert certain restrictions

Summary: The committee first agreed to hold House Bill 640 in committee after a motion and voice vote. It then heard House Bill 641, which would require employers offering sick leave to allow employees to use accrued leave without retaliation, while still complying with applicable federal FMLA and ADA provisions. The sponsor described it as a light-touch measure to prevent employers from disciplining workers for using earned sick leave. Testimony from workers and labor representatives supported the bill, describing cases where employees were disciplined or feared discipline for using sick time for illness or family medical needs. Some members raised concerns about referencing federal law in state statute, but the committee passed the bill on a roll call vote, 10-2, with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1221, which changes language from “irrigation district” to “irrigation or drainage entity” in a PERSI-related exception so the seasonal work allowance applies more consistently. The sponsor said the change was intended to clarify and align the law for eligible entities. With no substantive opposition, the committee passed the bill by voice vote and sent it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 642, which expands death benefits for EMS workers, firefighters, and police officers killed in the line of duty. The bill would provide a $500,000 lump-sum benefit and an annual pension for surviving spouses, or a lump-sum benefit for children if the worker was unmarried, and it applies retroactively to July 1, 2021. Testimony from law enforcement, PERSI, and public safety representatives strongly supported the measure and emphasized that the benefit changes were funded without adding a state burden. After a brief clarification of the pension amount, the committee unanimously passed the bill with a do-pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reserves. The next few slides are really just a history of appropriations in prior years.
• Item number 4 is a one-time request for us to establish an emergency services reserve of a million dollars
• And that's what the emergency reserve would enable us to do.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Lucas, Zamora, and Senators Cutter and Marchman, concerning the continuation of the Colorado Forest
• Representatives Lucas, Zamora, and Senators Cutter and Marchman, concerning the continuation of the Colorado Forest

Keywords: 981, all