Transcript Highlights:

• committee there is a meeting today at 10:15 with TVA and several other energy officials to discuss their nuclear
• other energy officials uh to discuss other energy officials uh to discuss their<00:15:53.160><c> nuclear
• update</c><00:15:55.040><c> and</c><00:15:55.319><c> what's</c><00:15:55.560><c> going</c> their nuclear
• uh update and what's going their nuclear uh update and what's going on<00:15:55.959><c> with</c><00:

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bills 640, 641, and 790. HB 640 would authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to adopt regulations to control invasive non-native plant species, with testimony focusing on the threat posed by species such as callery pear/Bradford pear to native plants, forest health, and the economy. Members asked whether the bill itself would ban Bradford pears; the sponsor clarified that it would not directly ban them, but would give the cabinet regulatory authority. The bill received a favorable expression by roll call. HB 641 addressed coal combustion byproducts, explaining that the bill would help preserve landfill space by allowing these materials to be reused as special waste in places such as abandoned strip mines or underground mines, and would clarify that reclaimed land could qualify for agricultural use such as pasture, hay, or crop production. Members raised concerns about groundwater and runoff; the sponsor and another member argued that placing the material under cover would reduce exposure compared with open piles currently sitting at power plants. After discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression, with a few members passing on the vote. HB 790, as amended by committee substitute, was described as substantially narrowed from its original form. The substitute removed setback requirements and instead required construction certificate holders for solar merchant electric generating facilities to report federal and state incentives used for siting, construction, and operation, with the cabinet compiling and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly. The committee approved the substitute and the bill passed with favorable expression. At the end of the meeting, members were also reminded of a later TVA energy update meeting and the chair noted ongoing work on Senate Bill 89, with possible future action and a special meeting if revised language is ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some define a nuclear verdict award as being any penalty that exceeds $10 million, while others would
• put the threshold of a nuclear verdict at a much higher or more disproportionate number.
• </c><01:30:05.360><c> A</c><01:30:05.600><c> nuclear</c><01:30:06.000><c> verdict</c><01:30:06.480><c
• > is</c> nuclear verdicts.
• A nuclear verdict is nuclear verdicts.

Bills: HF1027 , HF2226 , HF1916 , HF1915 , HF1567 , HF1986

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: mortgage foreclosure, redemption, foreclosure surplus, sheriff's sale, junior lienholder, mortgagor, homeowner protections, loss mitigation, dual tracking, foreclosure redemption period, certificate of redemption, certificate of sale, sheriff, county recorder, registrar of titles, homeownership center, lien priority, real property, foreclosure by advertisement, surplus funds

Transcript Highlights:

• What this has to do with is actually the new nuclear projects that we're trying to bring to the Idaho
• concerning work that they would like to start in our country revolving around the resurgence of the nuclear
• concerning work that they would like to start in our country, revolving around the resurgence of the nuclear

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts faces a unique ongoing risk due to the presence of spent nuclear fuel stored on-site at
• several reactor sites, including the former nuclear power plant, which is located in my district.
• You know, the Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel determined that the nuclear waste at Pilgrim
• The advisory panel determined that the nuclear waste at Pilgrim is the biggest threat in the state of
• The spent nuclear fuel in these cans is a significant hazard.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well. Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC. A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that includes nuclear power generation, which we're moving forward with here in Idaho, as we know
• And part of that is in the coordination between baseload generating electrical generation, like a nuclear
• Just to clarify, does sustainable include hydro and nuclear? Mr. Woodward, thank you.
• Just to clarify, does sustainable include hydro and nuclear? Mr. Woodward. Mr.
• So it's something that I learned back in my nuclear days that as you have facilities that perform well

Transcript Highlights:

• providers who overdiagnose, overbill, and overtreat, leading to inflated judgments, commonly called nuclear
• now is really, in some ways, runaway verdicts and juries and awards that lead to jackpot justice, nuclear
• correct regarding negligent claims tend to show more physical pain and suffering when you have the nuclear
• verdicts because, when you get smashed... ...show more physical pain and suffering when you have the nuclear
• In other words, a jackpot award or a nuclear verdict. Okay. All right. Thank you, sir.

Bills: SB1540 , SB2225 , SB2284 , SB2382 , SB2487 , SB2514 , SB2595 , SB2876 , SB2877 , SB3031 , SB2753 , HB45

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard Senate Bill 3031, which would expand aggravated assault to cover certain road-rage shootings involving a person in or traveling to or from a motor vehicle, when a firearm is discharged and causes injury, property damage, or fear of serious bodily injury. Senator Schwertner laid out the bill for the author, described it as closing a gap in the law, and there was no public testimony; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2514, a measure by Chairman Hughes aimed at creating a DPS unit to identify, investigate, and monitor hostile foreign influence operations and to require ethics training for state employees. Supportive invited testimony from Dr. Jacqueline Deal, Ambassador Kelly Curry, and Michael Lucci emphasized threats from the Chinese Communist Party, transnational repression, cyber intrusion, and state-level influence efforts, and argued Texas should take a leading role. Public testimony included opposition from speakers who raised concerns about free speech, privacy, and potential overbreadth. The bill was left pending after testimony closed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 30 as pending business and discussed a committee substitute. Senator Schwertner explained that the substitute would limit admissible medical expense evidence to amounts paid or up to 300% of Medicare, clarify treatment of provider testimony and attorney-referred providers, remove a requirement that plaintiffs use available health insurance to mitigate damages, strike a unanimous-verdict requirement for non-economic damages, and delete a remittitur provision. Senators questioned the impact on sexual assault and child abuse survivors, the use of Medicare as a benchmark, and whether the bill would still allow fair compensation. After discussion, SB 30 was left pending and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> construction alone between a nuclear construction alone between a nuclear plant<05:35:05.600><c>
• >> We've shut down reliable power plants in New England, nuclear, coal, and oil.
• The bill further aligns with the governor's embrace of nuclear energy as a reliable power source.
• Press the green button to pass this bill. nuclear or gas units to start changing nuclear or gas units
• </c><05:42:20.400><c> micro</c> turbine engines or nuclear micro turbine engines or nuclear micro reactors

Transcript Highlights:

• So let’s take, for example, where we are with nuclear.
• So we propose to eliminate that so that it’s easier to bring nuclear into the state.
• So we propose to eliminate that so that it's easier to bring nuclear in the state.
• MIT and other organizations already have nuclear.
• So we are currently working on an open solicitation in Connecticut on nuclear.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Fusion energy could eventually provide clean, dependable power without the long-lived nuclear waste associated
• with traditional nuclear generation.
• with traditional nuclear generation.
• County schools and communities who have the responsibility of hosting California's only operating nuclear
• power plant, and your fortitude California's only operating nuclear power plant, and your fortitude

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural announcements and motions, members moved through a long concurrence and third-reading file, with many bills passing on largely bipartisan or unanimous votes. Early actions included rejecting a motion to strike SB 958 from the file, concurring in AJR 9 on national parks, and approving AB 1647 on juvenile transfer hearings, AB 1656 on human trafficking, AB 1660 on probate procedures, AB 1875 on marriage cooling-off period procedures, AB 1892 on common interest developments, AB 1908 on civil actions and urgency, AB 1954 on business reservations, AB 1957 on post-foreclosure home acquisition, AB 1977 on notaries public, AB 2001 and AB 2052 on criminal procedure, AB 2107 on pupil instruction, AB 2263 on housing, AB 2346 and AB 2595 on e-bike/vehicle issues, AB 1562 on elections, AB 2180 on local government finance, and AB 2624 on privacy protections for immigration support service providers. AB 2624 drew the most extensive debate, with supporters saying it expands Safe at Home protections for workers facing doxxing and threats, and opponents arguing it could chill speech and journalism; it ultimately passed 49-13 and was immediately transmitted to the Governor. The Assembly also adopted H.R. 134 designating November as California’s First-Generation College Celebration Month after supportive remarks about access to higher education and first-generation students. On the Senate side, the Assembly concurred in or passed measures including SB 932 on transparency in civil proceedings, SB 1400 on health authorities, SB 1154 on community college best-value procurement, SB 1264 on probate and child support notice, SB 599 on atmospheric river forecasting, SB 692 on emergency abatement of abandoned vehicles, SB 1263 on contractor accountability, and SB 1371 on solid waste service during labor disputes; SB 1371 prompted opposition over labor leverage and potential cost impacts but passed 41-14. Other notable Senate bills approved included SB 401 on emergency extensions for political reform filings, SB 945 on CPR/AED training in schools, SB 977 requiring healthier children’s meals at chain restaurants, SB 1192 on protections against abusive litigation by domestic violence abusers, SB 1194 on immigration legal services, SB 872 on water, SB 925 on a fusion energy roadmap, SB 934 strengthening conversion therapy protections, SB 1030 repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule, SB 1056 on protective orders for adult sexual assault materials, SB 1069 streamlining CARB approval for aftermarket auto parts, and SB 1135 creating a statewide wildlife coexistence program. The session ended with several items passed or retained on file and multiple procedural announcements, including guest permissions and adjournment-memory requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• You've heard a lot about nuclear.
• In fact, yesterday, I know it seems like longer than yesterday, you had testimony on nuclear energy.
• Like nuclear, geothermal generation assets, including generation facilities and conservation wells, provide
• The other aspect is nuclear and hydrogen are not asking for this clarification; only geothermal is in
• So I don't really understand the overall reason why y'all need it and nuclear doesn't or hydrogen doesn't

Bills: HB111

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a day when the leaders of two nuclear powers stood next to each other, and these nuclear power
• </c> two nuclear two nuclear Powers<02:40:05.920><c> stood</c><02:40:06.640><c> next</c><02:40:06.920
• </c><02:40:10.319><c> power</c> other and these nuclear power other and these nuclear power Representatives
• </c> the ability to create a nuclear the ability to create a nuclear Holocaust Holocaust Holocaust something
• </c> nuclear Iran is to have a a nuclear nuclear Iran is to have a a nuclear Islamic<04:03:06.159><c>

Bills: HR26

Keywords: domestic terrorism, Antifa, law enforcement, criminal activity, violent protests, political ideology, federal response, socio-political conflict

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, they still have nuclear, they still have natural gas, as we will have for years to come.
• Yes, they still have nuclear, they still have natural gas, as we will have for years to come.
• Yes, they still have nuclear, they still have natural gas, as we will have for years to come.
• Yes, nuclear down the road. I love that we have thermal energy, very important.
• Nuclear will be 15 to 20 years down the road. That is not doing it.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment. A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery. In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• courses and degree paths to train the workforce that will construct and operate the next generation of nuclear
• programs and to expand nuclear-related programs and to expand their<00:07:45.520><c> curricula</c><00
• the next will construct and operate the next generation<00:07:54.320><c> of</c><00:07:54.520><c> nuclear
• </c><00:07:55.200><c> energy</c><00:07:55.720><c> facilities,</c> generation of nuclear energy facilities
• , generation of nuclear energy facilities, Senator<00:07:57.040><c> West.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and excused absent members. The chamber received second readings of several bills and resolutions, including measures on ad valorem taxes, planning and zoning, tax-dollar restrictions, provisional medical licensing, Medicaid oversight, environmental regulations, municipal financial reporting, nuclear workforce development, and county law libraries. Committee reports advanced bills on economic development, education, judiciary, and veterans/public protection, and the body also received a list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics such as rural revitalization, athletics, SNAP eligibility, diaper tax exemption, domestic violence, middle school math, pedestrian bridges, constitutional amendments, education, and several honorary resolutions. The Senate then took up House Bill 314, which would reorganize the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (Kentucky Wired) by moving it under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, restructuring its board, and adding members representing cities and counties. Supporters said the bill was an administrative change, not a funding measure, intended to focus the network on students, teachers, and public users while awaiting an audit. Critics argued the project has been a costly taxpayer burden and called for stronger oversight. The bill passed final passage 32-6. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 157, which aligns Kentucky law with federal mortgage rules so that certain rate buy-down payments do not count against borrower fee caps, with supporters saying it would help housing affordability and reduce costs for borrowers. Senate Bill 214 also passed unanimously; it allows the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to accept non-federal funding for grants without routing those funds through the Department of Finance. The Senate later adopted several resolutions, including Senate Resolution 61 recognizing Links Incorporated Day, Senate Resolution 114 commemorating the 80th Southern Legislative Conference, and Senate Resolution 118 honoring Joseph H. Mattingly Jr. Additional remarks highlighted a Black History Celebration event and a lengthy floor speech criticizing the Kentucky Hospital Association’s reserves and urging investigation, followed by consideration of Senate Resolution 55 on Profound Autism Day in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• submarines, more nuclear energy, and, um, the community does have some concerns with that.
• </c><01:02:58.319><c> submarines,</c> inclusion of more nuclear submarines, inclusion of more nuclear
• submarines, more<01:02:59.280><c> nuclear</c><01:02:59.760><c> energy</c><01:03:00.400><c> and</c><01
• :03:01.359><c> um</c><01:03:01.760><c> the</c><01:03:02.000><c> community</c> more nuclear energy and
• um the community more nuclear energy and um the community does<01:03:02.640><c> have</c><01:03:02.880

Transcript Highlights:

• Development Fund comes from payments by utilities for the storage of dry casks of spent fuel located at nuclear
• 21st, and we'll be setting our first bill hearing up and we'll be beginning the conversation on a nuclear
• 00:42:36.559><c> a</c> be uh beginning the conversation on a be uh beginning the conversation on a nuclear
• 00:42:38.800><c> uh</c><00:42:39.200><c> so</c><00:42:39.920><c> be</c><00:42:40.200><c> ready</c> nuclear
• moratorium and uh so be ready nuclear moratorium and uh so be ready and<00:42:41.000><c> enjoy</c><00

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Authority to consult with the Arizona Corporation Commission to develop and adopt criteria for awarding a nuclear-ready
• Awarding a nuclear-ready community designation to communities that meet listed requirements, and with
• Madam Wip, members, as passed the House, awarding a nuclear-ready community designation to communities

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills returned from the Senate with amendments, generally asking staff to describe the changes and then confirming whether the sponsor concurred. Many measures were accepted with little or no debate, including bills on tax filing penalties (HB 2016), court-ordered restitution for homeless or indigent defendants (HB 2028), vaccination and mask restrictions (HB 286), bullion investments by the state treasurer (HB 2140), nursing care complaint timelines (HB 2195), privacy protections for county records (HB 2327), cold plunge regulation (HB 2439), medical records access timelines (HB 2557), licensing board procedures (HB 2660), school and public records provisions, AI governance (HB 2592), fingerprint clearance temporary work authorization (HB 2916), development fees (HB 2946), affordability infrastructure districts (HB 2999), distracted driving penalties (HB 2109), health aide scope of practice (HB 2189), eviction record sealing (HB 2244), backyard structure rules in planned communities (HB 2342), inmate transition services (HB 2440), nuclear-ready community designation criteria (HB 2456), address confidentiality protections (HB 2594), groundwater/medical reimbursement changes (HB 2932), traffic citation signature authority (HB 2369), advanced math enrollment (HB 2423), school district training and intervention requirements (HB 2435), job order contracting limits (HB 2482), special education and placement rules (HB 2621), DCS parent rights notice changes (HB 2661), domestic violence expert testimony standards (HB 2662), inmate mental health study committee provisions (HB 2673), legislative subpoena enforcement (HB 2745), ACA trade office oversight (HB 2752), utility reporting changes (HB 2756), Native American language proficiency credit (HB 2895), mental health judicial review timelines (HB 2923), mobile food vendor licensing (HB 2118), medical intervention/school attendance rules (HB 2248), school board finance training (HB 2379), and school board meeting access/video requirements (HB 2380). Sponsors repeatedly stated they concurred with the Senate amendments, and no roll-call votes were taken in the transcript. A few items were set aside or sent back, including HB 2035 and HB 2249, and one bill (HB 2594) was left pending because the sponsor had not yet responded.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the energy side, I wish that our state would, you know, find their brain and look at nuclear energy
• because that's the cleanest and safest energy in the world right. ...nuclear energy, because that's
• , but my understanding is no, that they use a hospital-level amount of tritium, but there's not a nuclear
• would be in fusion, excuse me, with fission or some of the other and how we think about historical nuclear

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first discussed the state budget and employee compensation, focusing on the 1% pay increase proposal and the broader cost of state employee raises and benefits. Members noted that over the past several years the state has invested heavily in payroll, pension contributions, pay studies, and band realignments, and several senators argued that the 80/20 health insurance change and other benefit improvements amount to significant compensation increases even without an additional raise. Others cautioned that recurring revenue is limited, that recent revenue collections were weaker than expected, and that the state should be careful about committing to ongoing costs given possible economic slowdown, federal uncertainty, drought, wildfire risk, and the possibility of future budget pressure. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 177, a major economic development proposal centered on quantum computing, advanced energy, robotics, synthetic biology, and related technologies. Supporters described the bill as a large strategic investment intended to leverage New Mexico’s national laboratories, universities, and existing quantum workforce to attract companies, create high-wage jobs, and diversify the economy. Testimony emphasized that much of the quantum workforce would be skilled trades and technicians rather than Ph.D.-level researchers, and members asked detailed questions about whether the state would receive long-term returns, how intellectual property and clawbacks would be handled, and whether the package included recurring costs. Witnesses also explained the bill’s trade association and workforce-development components, and several senators raised concerns about energy use, water use, guardrails, and ensuring the state does not subsidize outside interests without benefits returning to New Mexico. After debate, the committee moved to table SB 177 indefinitely, with members noting that the funding and structure were already incorporated into House Bill 2. The motion passed on an 8-0 vote, with several members excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> There's a lot of talk about nuclear, and I'm very personally pro-nuclear, and my boss, the governor
• There's a push to restart mothballed nuclear plants.
• Those will start to come nuclear plants.
• And if you want to talk about the next generation nuclear, that's even farther off.
• ,</c> talk about the next generation nuclear, talk about the next generation nuclear, that's<00:29:26.880

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 4, the Texas Nuclear Energy Fund and Texas Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Fund.
• The Texas Advanced Nuclear Reaction Work Group released the required report to the upcoming Legislature

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met to review Article 8, regulatory agencies, and began Article 9, general provisions, before recessing for floor action. The committee first heard budget presentations from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). The PUC budget recommendation was about $5.07 billion in all funds, including an additional $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, plus funding for staffing and technology needs tied to contested cases, infrastructure resiliency, and outage mapping. PUC witnesses emphasized the agency’s growing workload, the need for more staff and modern systems, and oversight of the Texas Energy Fund. OPUC’s recommendation was about $6.9 million, with a reduction in authorized FTEs to better match actual staffing; the agency requested additional funding for salaries, expert witnesses, and budget flexibility, and members highlighted OPUC’s role representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility proceedings. The committee then heard from the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), whose recommendation was just over $11.2 million. BHEC’s main requests included funding to fill vacant positions, money for continuous National Practitioner Data Bank queries, and a proposed Texas-owned psychology licensing exam in response to concerns about changes to the national exam. Agency leaders also discussed a rider request that would shift responsibility for certain judgments or settlements to the comptroller. Members asked about prior complaint backlogs, and BHEC said those backlogs had been cleared. The Board of Chiropractic Examiners followed, with a recommendation of just under $2.4 million; the board sought support for staffing, training, broadband, and salary retention, and described its work regulating chiropractors and workers’ compensation-related doctors. The Board of Dental Examiners was the last agency heard before the committee recessed. Its recommendation was just under $10 million, and it requested a 10% salary increase for eligible staff, three additional licensing staff, one staff member to handle required background checks, an additional attorney, and an executive director salary adjustment. Dental board witnesses said licensure growth, increased complaints, and low salaries were straining licensing and enforcement operations, even though the agency reported strong performance and high case completion rates. The chair ended the hearing early because the Senate had to return to the floor, and the committee remained in recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've made tough decisions on the advanced nuclear study, sending a unanimous yes vote from all Republican
• </c><00:47:41.760><c> study,</c> decisions on the advanced nuclear study, decisions on the advanced nuclear
• same spirit as we approve<00:48:24.319><c> the</c><00:48:24.559><c> advanced</c><00:48:24.880><c> nuclear
• </c><00:48:25.280><c> study</c><00:48:25.599><c> for</c> approve the advanced nuclear study for approve
• , which you touched on, hydro, nuclear, which you touched on, hydro, natural<01:34:03.920><c> gas,</c

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate