Transcript Highlights:

• These programs, this Israeli program, Okay, and which one do you want me to start with, sir?
• For example, we've audited Mexico's surveillance, trapping. movement program.
• program to help detect screw worm injuries in cattle.
• If there's technology I would use it come online in the future and eradicate it.
• We have about a hundred full-time staff in that program.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• questions and if it's a new program what is the full funding of it look like if it's a pilot program
• We're pretty proud of this program.
• our federal workforce programs.
• Maybe it should be called a tax credit program, so it doesn't count in that 80, you know, programs.
• John, on the program evaluators, how are you determining what programs they're going to look at?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Leadership Division of the Budget Section approved the prior meeting minutes and then received an update from Senator Jonathan Sickler on the Cash Management Board’s interim work under House Bill 1278. He said the board has reviewed state cash, investments, and liquidity across agencies and concluded the state’s overall mix of long-term and short-term assets is appropriate, with about $35 billion in total liquid assets and investments and roughly 89% in longer-term investments. He highlighted process improvements already underway, including replacing more than 500 six-month CDs with a special-rate savings account to reduce administrative work, and said the board sees opportunities to improve forecasting, automation, and statewide coordination. Members asked about whether the CD change would increase returns, how the Legacy Fund transfer for the homestead tax relief bill affected earnings, and whether more state cash could be consolidated or better managed through BND; Sickler and BND staff said those issues are being studied and may lead to legislation for the 2027 session. Representative Nathan Toman then updated the committee on the Task Force on Government Efficiency. He said the group has focused less on cutting dollars and more on defining metrics and asking how the legislature knows whether programs are working. The task force is pushing a standard set of questions for new or expanding programs—who is affected, expected outcomes, alternatives, how success will be measured, and full funding—and OMB has agreed to require those answers in future budget requests. Members discussed possible use of dashboards, program evaluators, AI tools, and possible rule or statutory changes to require performance measurement. Toman said the task force will continue meeting with agencies such as the courts, university system, auditor, HHS, Commerce, and ITD to identify workflow bottlenecks and potential efficiencies. Phil Davis of Job Service North Dakota gave a workforce update, reporting that North Dakota’s unemployment rate is 2.5% and labor force participation is about 68.7%, both well above national performance. He described Job Service’s 15 workforce programs, including H-2A housing inspections for foreign agricultural workers, the job placement partnership program with DOCR, WOTC, and other federal and state workforce efforts. Davis said the agency served more than 11,000 individuals in 2025, operates nine workforce centers, and tracks outcomes through quarterly and annual reporting. In response to questions, he said job openings data reflect only positions in the system and may understate actual hiring needs, that child care and other assistance programs could be better tied to employment outcomes, and that the DOCR partnership has shown strong results with lower recidivism and higher earnings. He also said the H-2A inspection workload is growing quickly and additional staffing or less frequent federal inspection requirements could help. Allen Knutson then presented S&P Global’s updated revenue forecast. He said oil prices have risen sharply since the prior month’s outlook, improving the state’s near-term revenue picture, though the economy remains volatile and agriculture is facing weaker commodity prices. Based on the updated forecast, total major tax revenues for the current biennium are projected to be about $89 million above the legislative forecast, and the next biennium could be about $500 million higher, though that estimate is preliminary and may change. He also walked through an alternate oil-price scenario showing significantly higher oil and gas collections and a larger Strategic Investment Fund balance if prices remain elevated. Members asked whether another forecast should be requested once oil markets stabilize and about tribal allocation changes in the alternative scenario; Knutson said additional updates are possible through OMB and future forecast cycles.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We have had to cancel school programs We have had to cancel school programs because<00:21:10.840
• Uh the reading of that uh Futures".
• </c> know if there are future opportunities. know if there are future opportunities.
• bilingual seal program.
• This is emergency grant program.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is paid by special revenues from conservation tax funding.
• successfully completed major milestones in transitioning the current unemployment insurance computer programs
• However, DSB did not take the steps necessary to continue operating the programs in accordance with the
• That's pretty much over-obligated funds they were expecting to get in the future.
• But that's in the future. That's not going on right now.” “But that's in the future.

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee first considered a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism request to swap three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager for Blanchard Springs State Park. Members were told the change would be funded by conservation tax special revenues, would not increase total positions, and had OPM’s support. The item was reviewed and approved without objection. Members then approved two special compensation plans: one from the Department of Commerce for lump-sum bonuses of up to $5,000 for employees involved in the unemployment insurance system migration to a cloud-based platform, and one from the Department of Veterans Affairs for $2,000 recruitment bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the Fayetteville and North Little Rock State Veterans Homes. The Department of Health also received approval to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board, with the agency noting the position was already authorized and would not increase total staffing. The committee spent substantial time on a Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and related workforce operations. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the layoffs were driven by over-obligated federal funds, lack of fiscal planning, and a need to realign operations; he said the RIF would be permanent and that 56 employees remained furloughed, with 17 positions slated for elimination. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the board and governor, and whether the cuts disproportionately affected African American employees; Commerce was asked to provide racial composition data for the workforce and the RIF. The committee also reviewed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Members asked about overtime levels at DHS, Corrections, and Transportation, and whether higher staffing levels and the new pay plan were reducing overtime. OPM said overtime was being monitored, that direct-care positions are exempt from the hiring freeze, and that the state had hired more than 1,200 employees at DHS since the new system went live. No further action was taken on the report items, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• LIMITED ABILITY TO MAKE CHANGES TO THAT PROGRAM.
• THE SECOND ONE IS DRIVER NUMBER SIX, THE MEDICAID PROGRAM.
• A BIG PIECE OF THIS IS COMING FROM THE CMS PROGRAM.
• IT'S STILL ON THE CONSERVATIVE SIDE, IT MAKES NO ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT BRINGING ON NEW PROGRAMS OR FUNDAMENTALLY
• CHANGING A PROGRAM WE HAVE UNLESS THE LEGISLATURE HAS ALREADY SAID THAT IN PLACE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• persons on the floor and in the gallery to comply with the principles of decorum as outlined in your program
• Both Republicans and Democrats, we have passed major tax relief, very conservative but major tax relief
• Rule in urban voices, conservatives, moderates, and yes, even progressives.
• It's about the future. Thank you. Thank you.
• You represent millions of Texas families who entrusted you with their vote. and their future.

Transcript Highlights:

• for your program.
• Intense programming phase of design that we would be able to properly address the programming needs.
• Work with John Valdez to ensure that the programming spaces... all of the educational programs.
• what they need regarding moving some of these programs forward, especially CTE programs.
• How to finance that in the future.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:14.800><c> that</c><01:25:15.040><c> you</c> program that you program that you know<01:25:17.199
• </c><01:27:20.480><c> I</c> want any betters Intervention Program I want any betters Intervention Program
• </c> of $200,000 to prop up a pilot program of $200,000 to prop up a pilot program the<01:43:10.440><
• And what do we do about departments that might seek to abuse the program?
• Line 16 starts in this pilot program, right?

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from our environmental review program from our environmental review program over<00:14:36.320><c
• Hackley. in the future I'm going to say no. in the future I'm going to say no.
• There may be in the future. for this. There may be in the future.
• Do you see that in the future? future? future?
• </c> reduce future use of plastic, right? reduce future use of plastic, right?

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 163FN, dealing with requiring current, verifiable evidence of a species’ presence before land-use restrictions are imposed for habitat protection. Members discussed an amendment that had been worked on with agencies and stakeholder groups. Fish and Game testified that, while the amendment improved the bill, the agency still opposed it because of concerns about citizen science, how the proposal would apply to public versus private property, and how the transition to DES would work. Representative Darby argued the amendment was ambiguous, lacked a full hearing, and did not clearly address record verification or private-property access issues. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, with a minority report noted. The committee then moved to HB 1752FN, which would create a chain of custody for timber and carbon credits. Representative Davis presented an amendment saying it would help law enforcement investigate timber theft and add transparency to New Hampshire’s carbon registry by identifying buyers of carbon credits. Supporters said the change would impose little burden and align with practices in other states. Opponents, including Representative Darby, Representative Vale, and the state forester from DNCR, said the carbon market is complex, the amendment was not fully vetted, and a hearing with all stakeholders was needed; they also raised fiscal-note concerns. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, again with a minority report. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on HB 1019, which would add an active water treatment professional to the state water well board. Representative Peter Petrino and Representative Wendy Thomas said the board should include expertise on contamination risks and treatment technologies, citing concerns about arsenic, radon, and PFAS in private wells. The chairman of the Water Well Board testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the board supports the general idea of licensing water filtration work but does not currently have authority or rules to oversee that field and believes the proposal would put “the cart before the horse.” Members questioned whether the board’s current mandate even covers filtration systems, and the discussion ended with those concerns unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are programs that are used for um These are programs that are used for um both<00:12:26.079><c>
• </c><00:41:26.160><c> that</c> the state and federal programs that the state and federal programs that
• This is foundation program account.
• </c> that does programming for the building. that does programming for the building.
• We anticipate it in the future.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• League of Conservation Voters; Jillian Latta from Ann Arbor; Abigail Hawley from the Tip of the Mitt
• Energy Forum; and Logan Vorse from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
• Additionally, a robust vegetation management program promotes reliability of service.
• As a utility, we're heavily regulated by both federal and state programs, and they all have vegetation
• Additionally, a robust vegetation management program promotes reliability of service.

Committee: Senate Energy and Environment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment met with 13 members present, approved the June 4, 2026 minutes, and took up Senate Bill 947, which concerns dam registration, inspections, and related enforcement. The committee discussed a substitute that made technical changes and implementation adjustments, including lower registration fees for counties with multiple dams, extending registration validity from five to ten years, allowing conditional permits, giving EGLE flexibility to modify deficiency schedules, and adding provisions related to inspection reports and low-hazard dam evaluations. Members also raised an unresolved issue involving FERC preemption and hydroelectric dams; the chair and EGLE said that issue would continue to be worked on, likely through the floor process. Public testimony cards were read in support from a range of environmental and policy groups and individuals. The committee adopted the S-1 substitute 13-0 and then reported SB 947 to the floor on an 8-3 vote with two passes. The committee then considered Senate Bill 627, which also had been heard previously. No additional questions were raised, and testimony cards were read in support from several organizations, including the Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club, the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The committee voted to report SB 627 to the floor with the recommendation that it pass, and the bill was reported on an 11-1 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee took testimony only on House Bill 4361, sponsored by Representative Green, which would direct the Public Service Commission to create a rule allowing utilities broader vegetation management within rights-of-way to improve grid reliability. Representative Green and Thumb Electric Cooperative’s Kevin Mazur testified that the bill would reduce outages, improve safety, and align statutory standards with existing utility practices. Several senators raised concerns that the language was too broad and could allow extensive tree removal, harming property owners, local control, tree canopy, and environmental and health interests; others said utilities already have similar authority and emphasized reliability and homeowner coordination. The committee did not take action on HB 4361 and adjourned after reading in testimony cards from utilities, environmental groups, and others both supporting and opposing the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the end of the day, right, just like our football programs, there are three pillars.
• HB 2021 — KT reading the program requirement. Education. HB 2022 — Election observers.
• HB 2054 — Water provider conservation district. Natural Resources, Energy and Water.
• HB 2112 — Special plate conservative grassroots. Transportation and Infrastructure.
• HB 2126 — Future and puttyary. Judiciary. HB 2127 — Presence their license plate.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day proceedings with prayers in English and Spanish, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances, then recorded attendance and welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jameson. The Speaker introduced numerous guests and dignitaries, including statewide officials, university presidents, former lawmakers, and family members, and delivered remarks about Arizona’s history, the importance of civility, and the role of state government in protecting residents from federal overreach. Coaches Kenny Dillingham and Tommy Lloyd also addressed the chamber, speaking about leadership, talent development, and the ways sports can unite and inspire Arizona communities. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted proposed changes to Rule 9 and then adopted the amended rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session. The chamber also agreed to read bills by number and short title only, declared an emergency for that purpose, and announced the creation of two new standing committees: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to inform the Governor that the Legislature was ready to receive her message. The remainder of the session was largely devoted to points of personal privilege, with members introducing family, constituents, local officials, educators, veterans, business leaders, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues they intend to work on this session, including affordability, water security, deed fraud, education, health care, rural development, and veterans’ issues. The House later recessed to accommodate the joint organizational proceedings with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• to Assembly District 19 and wishing her every success in what I know will be a very, very bright future
• commit to ensuring accessibility to every space, to working alongside the deaf community to build a future
• Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are foundational to our communities and that cuts to these programs
• These programs will create irreparable harm to seniors, children, and families.
• From setting up events to investing in its future, he led with humility and purpose.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, with members observing a moment of silence for the Minnesota tragedy mentioned by the Speaker. The chamber then moved quickly through a large daily file, taking up many Senate amendments and third-reading measures, with most bills passing by wide margins or unanimously. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding action on SB 863, and later taking up several resolutions and bills on concurrence and third reading. Among the main policy items, members adopted AJR 8 on temporary protected status after debate over immigration policy, and AJR 19 urging opposition to dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The Assembly also adopted ACR 112 recognizing September as Deaf Awareness Month, with several members speaking in support of the deaf community and accessibility. Other notable measures included bills on water reclamation and Colorado River Aqueduct maintenance (AB 580), telehealth (AB 688), housing approvals and ADU enforcement/cleanup (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), pension and retirement rules (SB 301), volunteer fire department tax exemptions (SB 87), dementia training for home care aides (SB 412), and a San Francisco public-safety measure on stolen goods resale (SB 276), which drew opposition over permitting and criminalization concerns. The Assembly also passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills dealing with local government finance and infrastructure, public contracts, the Delta, fairgrounds compensation, and San Francisco liquor licenses, as well as AJR 3 on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most measures were approved on roll-call votes with few no votes; SB 227 and SB 276 were urgency measures and received the required two-thirds support. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously, and the day concluded with several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remembrances of former Assembly staffer Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, before the House adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is Vice Chair Hernandez's bill regarding financial assistance program for elected customers
• House Bill 1360 is a cleanup bill that would allow for the state Energy Conservation Office, CEICO, to
• move forward with future rulemaking.
• time when people were losing loved ones and, and, uh, we were genuinely concerned about what the future
• and religious liberty and what's the next issue, um, that this legislature, uh, might face in the future

Bills: HB 346 , HB 1360 , HB 1510 , HB 1606 , HB 1804 , HB 1805 , HB 2156 , HB 2391 , HB 2767 , HB 3022 , HB 3044 , HB 3272 , HB 3293 , HB 3493 , HB 3809 , HB 3824 , HJR 110 , HB 2463

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• future.
• assumptions about the future of net metering or the future value of net metering.
• </c><02:51:24.640><c> assumptions</c> stability and conservative assumptions stability and conservative
• of net metering or the about the future of net metering or the future<02:51:28.399><c> value</c><02:
• :52:21.359><c> than</c> structures are more conservative than structures are more conservative than utility

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Requiring annual reports on beneficial electrification, establishing the virtual power plant program,
• for compensation to electric public utility customers for participation in the virtual power plant program
• Protected person, guardian, or conservator.
• of Soil and Water Conservation Districts statewide.
• It enacts the Strategic Water Supply Act, creating the Strategic Water Supply Program, authorizing the

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Hawaii's longest-standing foreign exchange program, and today we welcome 20 students from Okinawa
• and today we welcome 20 Exchange program and today we welcome 20 students<00:02:07.439><c> from</c><
• I'd like to introduce the first: Kate Burgess, the conservation program manager; then Grant Gleni, outdoor
• </c><00:03:43.360><c> program</c> Kate Burgess the conservation program Kate Burgess the conservation
• program manager<00:03:45.159><c> then</c><00:03:45.319><c> Grant</c><00:03:45.599><c> gleni</c><00:03

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the affordable future.
• We have programs to do that. Programs that possibly should be strengthened.
• c> progress</c><02:59:14.399><c> and</c> decades of conservation progress and decades of conservation
• This is an anti-science bill that prioritizes politics ahead of species conservation.
• That's a huge cut that will program.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we simply stated in L12 that if the program runs out of gifts, grants, and donations, the program
• the program... ...responsible office to manage the program from the Department of Human Services to
• programs.
• Service program.
• Comply with the plan establishing the program. Under the establishing the program.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Arizona, for the future of our country, and really for the future of our national security.
• of Arizona, for the future of our country, and really for the future of our national security.
• of Arizona, for the future of our country, and really for the future of our national security.
• It's a very special program.
• And it's just been a very impactful program that I think we should continue to incent. ...impactful program

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing March as International Women’s Celebration Month. Members also welcomed guests from several school districts and the Arizona FFA. The chamber then moved through first readings of numerous Senate bills and took up several motions, including reconsideration of HB 2169 and referral of HB 210 and HB 2103 to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced HB 2100 and HB 2103 with technical amendments and due-pass recommendations. It then considered a series of bills on Calendar 2, including HB 2048, HB 2364, HB 2415, HB 2775, HB 2833, HB 2862, HB 2870, HB 2995, and HB 4067. Debate centered on election administration, sovereignty and international organizations, private school regulation, law enforcement face coverings, domestic violence and coercive control, and voter roll categories. HB 2862 drew the most procedural attention, with a division vote on a substitute amendment; the House rejected a motion to replace the adopted amendment, and the report was later adopted. On Calendar 3, the House considered education bills. HB 2093, which repeals the requirement for K-12 health education to include mental health instruction, prompted extensive debate over student suicide prevention, school counseling, parental responsibility, and whether schools should provide mental health support; it received a due-pass recommendation by a 27-22 division vote. The House also advanced HB 2313, which was described as responding to a Tucson Unified School District work stoppage tied to a political protest, and HB 2423, HB 2478, and other education measures after amendments and, in one case, withdrawal of an appropriations amendment. The session continued into HB 2830 as the transcript ended.