Transcript Highlights:

• The PRC would still go through the annual legislative appropriation process, maintaining full oversight
• Hernandez confirmed that was correct.
• Hernandez replied that there is no set process for changing rules on a regular basis for the Housing
• If requested changes come up from the board or oversight committee, they will go through the process
• Madam Chair, Representative, we don't see this as a political appointee or a political process.

Bills: HB70, HB93, HB95, HB139, HB140, HJR4

Keywords: Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for getting us to this point in the process.
• It also streamlines rules and confidentiality regarding the grant process.
• That's going to be part of the rule-making process.
• Open-door policy throughout this process.
• Currently, 26 states are in the process of passing their own version into law.

Bills: SB524, SB782, HB42, HB1056, HB2894, HB3033, HB3474, HB3594, HB4738, HB5246, HB42

Keywords: SB 524, Texas franchise tax, veteran-owned business, new veteran-owned business, business tax exemption, filing fee exemption, Tax Code Chapter 171, Business Organizations Code, Comptroller, small business, veterans, entrepreneurship, tax repeal, privilege tax, beginning date, franchise tax exemption, severance tax, oil, gas, restimulation wells

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Chris, uh their budget process with.
• I have reached out to the Department of Justice just to confirm if they're still comfortable with the
• I have reached out to the Department of Justice just to confirm if they're still comfortable with the
• I have reached out to the Department of Justice just to confirm if they're still comfortable with the
• Just talk, have a general conversation before we go into a motion process.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This and repair replacement processes.
• very important component in the process very important component in the process of<00:47:42.400>
• The actual process is requirements.
• <00:59:06.400> this, look to Miss Primo um to confirm this, look to Miss Primo um to confirm
• to do this ser the serialization process to do this ser the serialization process on<01:56:09.520

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For state courts, the budget prioritizes case processing with an additional $2.3 million, includes $2.7
• I just wanted to confirm it's just about $700 million over last year. Senator Davis. Thank you, Mr.
• You've been an incredible leader in this process.
• You've been an incredible leader in this process, and we're thankful.
• Why are we not including those in the social services estimating conference process as well?

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing. After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we are not getting counted as credit in the appropriations process.
• So thank you for your time to you and your colleagues, as has been the process previously. Mr.
• I'm processing a little bit. I think it might be a part of a bigger conversation.
• We do think that we have solid oversight processes in place.
• So, there are aspects of brick and mortar that we need to add to those processes.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• process.
• and education process.
• Currently, obviously, our process is to go out and we map everything. We do it.
• So that's a good process.
• The budget they received, our internal process for FY 25 and FY 26, was just $3 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a regular process, but they could do something like that.
• live under these rules and regulations, their opinions would be valued and solicited throughout the process
• Post-production is a vital and often overlooked part of the filmmaking process.
• live under these rules and regulations, their opinions would be valued and solicited throughout the process
• They're on my system, and then you have to confirm the affidavit. You should be good to go.

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• But this bill actually makes an efficient process for the clerks association to distribute that restitution
• It's just impossible to try to right the wrong, to try to get through the process, and not necessarily
• It's in the process right now.
• It just slows the whole process down.
• We found that the process was extremely confusing as to who is an advocate and who is an attorney.

Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• H-1360 and S-869 will protect against this unspoken bias, potentially saving lives in the process.
• November, ballot question 6 passed wherever it was presented, including in Republican districts, confirming
• November, valid question six passed wherever it was presented, including in Republican districts, confirming

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on 16 bills, with the chairs noting a busy legislative day and asking speakers to keep testimony brief. The committee first heard testimony on Senate 860/House 1405, the Medicare for All bill, with Sen. Jamie Eldridge and many advocates, clinicians, municipal officials, and patients arguing that a single-payer system would make care a right, reduce administrative waste, lower costs, and protect residents from rising premiums, medical debt, and hospital closures. Several speakers cited the Steward hospital crisis, affordability problems, and polling or ballot questions showing public support for single-payer coverage. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then took testimony on S. 863, a bill on non-opioid options for chronic pain. Pain specialists, patients, and advocates said the bill would improve care coordination for MassHealth members, expand access to non-opioid medications, require provider education, and collect data on chronic pain. Testifiers described long delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma toward pain patients, and the need for multidisciplinary care and transportation support. Again, the committee heard testimony only and took no action. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1360/S. 869, which would prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in health care. Disability advocates, clinicians, and patients described being denied or delayed care, pressured into DNR orders, or treated based on assumptions about quality of life rather than medical facts. Speakers referenced COVID-era crisis standards of care, discriminatory metrics, and personal stories involving canceled procedures, inadequate accommodations, and poor treatment in hospitals. Committee members thanked speakers for their testimony and said they would review the bill and its implications, but no vote was announced. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1399, an individual Medicare marketplace option for municipal retirees, where supporters said it would give cities and towns a lower-cost alternative for retiree health benefits through HRAs and individual Medicare plans. The hearing then returned to Medicare for All testimony, with additional supporters repeating arguments about cost, access, municipal budget pressure, and the need for global budgeting and universal coverage. The transcript ends with continued testimony and no recorded committee vote or final action on any bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Johnson, confirm that for me please. I'm never going to doubt the chair.
• Representative Johnson, confirm that for me please.
• Then, of course, it goes through the normal process, goes to the floor, and then it needs to end up in

Bills: HF4, HF173

Keywords: tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief, state surplus, fiscal forecast, wealthy taxpayers, high-income exclusion, 2026 ballot, referendum, surplus distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• Having received five ayes and zero nays, I declare Matthew Dukes to move on to the Senate floor for confirmation

Bills: HB3257

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service

Summary: The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met with a quorum and considered three nominations to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission and one bill. The committee heard presentations for Rick Munchler, Robert W. Allen Jr., and Matthew Dukes, each described as having extensive military, public service, and veterans’ advocacy backgrounds. In each case, senators moved do pass, there were no substantive questions or debate, and each nomination received unanimous 5-0 approval to advance to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee also heard House Bill 3257, which would extend certain state benefits available to veterans who are 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability to veterans who are 100% disabled as a result of negligence or malpractice at a VA hospital under federal law. The author explained the bill would align state recognition and benefits with federal disability determinations in those cases, while noting the property tax exemption issue is constrained by the state constitution. After brief questions about the bill’s scope, the committee voted 5-0 to pass the measure to the full Senate. At the close of the meeting, the chair noted another committee meeting would be needed the following week to consider additional Veterans Commission nominees, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2980 allows the tag agency to accept other valid proof of insurance, such as an insurance card or confirmation

Bills: HB1411, HB2980, HB3015, HB3147, HB3277, HB3323, HB3443, HB3882

Keywords: True Grit Trail, Oklahoma, tourism, signage, Department of Transportation, state parks, historical sites, economic development, motor vehicles, insurance, registration, verification, law enforcement, electronic credentials, Service Oklahoma, digital identification, data protection, driver's license, special license plates, Route 66

Transcript Highlights:

• And to confirm, you do concur? Madam Whip, thank you.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus briefly reviewed House Bill 2307, which addresses the placement and treatment of dangerous, incompetent defendants when no secure mental health beds are available in Arizona. Staff explained the Senate amendments would allow one such defendant to be housed temporarily at the Arizona State Hospital in a secure setting, require DHS to study the cost of building or converting a secure facility on ASH grounds, create a study committee on long-term secure mental health facility options, and include an emergency clause. The sponsor said the bill is intended as a temporary fix while the state works toward a permanent secure facility, and noted the individual would receive mental health treatment aimed at restoring competency to stand trial. Members asked about where the person would be housed, whether treatment would be provided, and whether out-of-state compacts might be used if needed. The group then discussed House Bill 272, which as passed the House would have created an optional state certification program for lactation care providers and a related advisory committee under the Arizona Department of Health Services. Staff reported that the Senate adopted a strike-everything amendment turning the bill into an emergency measure repealing Dr. Cesar Estrada Chavez Day. The sponsor, Representative Fink, was reported to concur with the Senate amendments. No votes were taken during the caucus discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how I interpret it, but again, I will get back to you, Senator, with complete confirmation, but

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met with Chair Senator Zellnor Myrie presiding and noted that several majority members were absent due to blizzard-related travel disruptions, though quorum was established through submitted votes. The committee took up a series of bills, mostly criminal justice and public safety measures, including Senate Prints 205, 362, 490, 630, 1192, 1285A, 2491, 3909, 4757, and 6121. Senator Murray participated in moving bills while making clear that his seconding did not necessarily indicate support, and Senator Salazar joined partway through the meeting. Several bills drew discussion or opposition. Senator Murray strongly opposed Senate Print 362, warning that its added waiting period for firearm-related approval could endanger people seeking protection from domestic violence or stalking. On Senate Print 490, counsel and members discussed whether the bill’s language required an additional incident after age 13, and Murray ultimately voted without recommendation pending clarification. Senate Print 2491, addressing peremptory challenges, was described as important because of the racial history of such challenges, though Murray voted in the negative. Senate Print 3909, the Phoenix Act relating to domestic violence responses, also drew criticism from Murray over language he viewed as overly racial and political, though the committee advanced it. The committee also highlighted support for Senate Print 4757, which would codify the SNUG violence-prevention program in law; members praised its success in communities and noted it would reduce reliance on annual budget negotiations. Actions taken included reporting several bills, referring Senate Print 1192 and 4757 to finance, and reporting Senate Print 6121 with Senator Murray recorded without recommendation. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• For confirmation, the Department of Corrections and Secretary Dixon have signed off and are okay with

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it is going to be in the House chambers, but I need to confirm, and I'll let you all know.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> We have 30 seconds to confirm. >> Yes, you may. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• /c><02:12:58.000> 30<02:12:58.239> seconds<02:12:58.400> to<02:12:58.560> confirm
• >> We have 30 seconds to confirm. >> We have 30 seconds to confirm.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two committee of conference items. On HB 1260, the House and Senate debated a Senate amendment dealing with sealing certain divorce-related financial records. House members argued the amendment conflicted with the Keane Sentinel decision and would improperly flip the burden of proof on public access to court records, raising constitutional concerns under the state constitution’s open government and privacy provisions. Senate members responded that the privacy amendment and modern conditions support more protection for sensitive financial information, especially in limited uncontested divorces, but several members agreed the issue should be studied in a separate bill with a full hearing next year rather than resolved in conference. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to have the Senate recede and pass HB 1260 in the form originally passed by the House, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment. The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration. Senator Gray and DHHS officials said federal changes will shift more administrative costs to the state and that underfunding administration could raise the SNAP error rate, which could trigger future federal penalties and larger state costs; DHHS reported a current error rate of 7.57%, below the national average, and said a higher error rate could cost the state roughly $12 million in a partial fiscal year and nearly $16 million in a full year. Representative Papovich said he understood the department’s needs but was reluctant to support the bill as amended, noting the Senate language resembled a prior bill that had already failed in the House. The discussion ended with the committee still considering the Senate amendment, with members weighing the immediate appropriation against possible future costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got it in our handout today, I think, and Representative Sariñana [ID: member_12748] is confirming
• August, still working on confirming location, but ideally in Shiprock or the Farmington area.

Transcript Highlights:

• So please move House Bill 3159 and act supporting family caregivers through the legislative process and
• program since 1983, where they gather at the State House to learn more basically about the legislative process
• Research confirms what we see in practice: the EITC and Child Tax Credit reduced preterm birth, low birth
• continuously since 1983, helping thousands of students learn about civic engagement and the democratic process
• them, and in the spring, we gather here at the Massachusetts State House for a mock legislative procession

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.