Transcript Highlights:

• This slide highlights a couple of the primary areas of regulation for the PUC, and then we'll have a
• 13.759><c> the</c> Um this slide highlights a couple of the Um this slide highlights a couple of the primary
• areas of regulation for the PUC primary areas of regulation for the PUC and<00:05:16.240><c> then</c
• This happens along three primary pillars.
• </c> the final public comment period closed the final public comment period closed last<00:25:43.120>

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't collect data from primary care or other medical facilities or, you know, physicians' offices
• It doesn't collect data from primary care or other medical facilities or physicians' offices or urgent
• So I guess my question is: How closely is the department working with the Rare Disease Advisory Council
• So I guess my question is: How closely is the department working with the Rare Disease Advisory Council
• We've been working closely, of course, on the Rare Disease Advisory Council.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, closing the district would mean closing the heartbeat of our community.
• </c><00:03:56.720><c> reason</c> for many reasons but the primary reason for many reasons but the primary
• second closing the district would<00:04:07.799><c> mean</c><00:04:07.959><c> closing</c><00:04:08.319
• </c> uh renew my motion just a couple closing uh renew my motion just a couple closing comments<00:55
• </c> representative Bennett any closing representative Bennett any closing comments<01:21:14.280><c>

Bills: HF827 , HF1258 , HF2387 , HF2388 , HF2534 , HF2016

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amendment and then vote for the primary amendment and then vote for the primary amendment<00:21:
• You prevented us from being able to do until the close of the session of the until the close of the session
• The clerk will close the roll.
• We closed the gap through policy changes. We cut some programs.
• We closed the last year. We fixed it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And as you can see, criminal to civil, we have pretty close to a 50/50 split on activity.
• to a 50/50 split on on pretty close to a 50/50 split on on activity.<00:35:26.640><c> Um,</c><00:35:
• And that's why in those QAM cases there is generally a primary U.S.
• US attorney's office that is primary US attorney's office that is working<00:38:45.520><c> the</c><00
• And there were 58 open cases last year. 19 were closed. worth of recoveries.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to conservation lands, too close to homeowners and families, too close to an elementary school, and
• A close friend of mine went down into his basement one evening.
• s report, it suggests close to the end of the century. ...close to the end of the century. Correct.
• I am close to the end. I think I dropped on.
• And with that, I close Representative Cusack's hearing.” “Oh, I'm sorry, a motion to close.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I'll turn it back over to the author to close.
• I'll turn it back over here to close. Oh, thank you.
• So I'll turn it back over to close.
• You may close. Thank you.
• I'll turn it back to the author to close.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's quite closely controlled.
• We’re about to close the hearing, and we will invite you, Representative, to close, please.
• If you'd like to close really quick, I'll give you another few seconds.
• And I'll just close with this.
• Committee, I am closing questions now.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:16.799><c> to</c> found that the landfill living close to found that the landfill living close
• They're a good form of treatment, but unless you're very close to the sewer, that's very expensive.
• They're a good form of treatment, but unless you're very close to the sewer, that's very expensive.
• to the Sewer that's very very close to the Sewer that's very expensive<00:31:19.240><c> so</c><00:31
• because I think we think the come close because I think we think the people<00:36:39.720><c> of</c><

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state. The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation. HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:41:44.720><c> more</c> which means more vibrant primaries, more which means more vibrant primaries
• </c> that are uh trying to get really close that are uh trying to get really close to<00:57:36.559><c
• 07:17.280><c> through</c><01:07:18.000><c> term</c> closely approximate that through term closely approximate
• </c><02:06:44.639><c> monitoring</c> very aware and is closely monitoring very aware and is closely monitoring
• So bit after 1:00 uh but we're close.

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this fall, we lost our only major grocery store and our last standing pharmacy when the Fred Meyer closed
• It has been truly devastating for my community. ...pharmacy when the Fred Meyer closed.
• all across the state. ...what we do when our brick-and-mortar grocery stores are closing all across
• So if you look closely at the language, and it was described by staff, So if you look closely at the
• Representative Farivar has worked with us on, and we're grateful for, to allow that if a store is closing

Summary: The Washington State Senate Committee on Business, Trade, and Economic Development waived the five-day notice rule to consider Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2274 and Engrossed House Bill 2294. The committee first heard HB 2274, which would modify the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act by requiring false or misleading subject lines to be knowingly false or misleading, and reducing statutory damages from $500 to $100 or actual damages, whichever is greater. Representative Springer and retail witnesses described the bill as a compromise reached with consumer lawyers, retailers, and the Attorney General’s office, intended to address a surge in lawsuits after a recent Supreme Court ruling while preserving consumer protections. Consumer advocates testified that they supported the compromise as a temporary step, while one consumer-side attorney objected to the bill’s text-message damages change, arguing it was unrelated to the email issue and could weaken existing protections. The committee held the public hearing open and did not take final action on the bill during the meeting. The committee then heard HB 2294, which prohibits private agreements that restrict real property from being used as a grocery store or pharmacy, declaring such negative use restrictions against public policy and unenforceable after the bill’s effective date, with exceptions for preexisting agreements and limited relocation scenarios. Representative Farivar said the bill was prompted by grocery and pharmacy closures and aimed to prevent property covenants from blocking replacement stores in underserved communities. Supporters from the Washington Food Industry Association and Northwest Grocery Retail Association said the bill would help independent grocers and communities, though the retail association asked for further language refinement for retail-center situations and noted the bill preserves some limited protections for existing investments. The committee took public testimony but did not vote on HB 2294 during the hearing. In executive session, staff briefed Substitute House Bill 2428, which requires insurers issuing individual life insurance policies to send lapse notices to policyholders and designated third parties. The committee then adopted a due pass recommendation and sent the bill to the Rules Committee. The motion passed by voice vote, with the bill passed subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Debate is closed. The question before the Senate is, shall the committee report be adopted?
• Hearing none, Senator Foreman, you are recognized to close the debate. The debate is closed.
• District 4 is the primary recharge zone.
• Debate is closed. Thank you. The question before you is: Shall the resolution be adopted?
• Debate is closed. Debate is closed.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the math came out pretty close to the same as the first one.
• Would you say that's reasonably close or reasonably accurate? Yes. Yes, sir.
• I'm going to close public hearing and leave the bill pending.
• And then we'll close public testimony on Senate Bill 2129 and we'll bring up...
• If not, we'll close public testimony. We're going to leave the bill pending.

Bills: SB39 , SB2129 , SB2141 , SB2246 , SB2323 , SB2439 , SB2722

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee reconvened on SB 2722, as substituted by Senator Bettencourt, which would redirect a portion of Harris County Toll Road Authority surplus revenues to the City of Houston and impose audit and tax-rate penalty provisions. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Fire Chief Thomas Munoz testified in support, arguing that Houston bears a large share of toll-road public safety burdens, citing thousands of police and fire responses on toll-road property and the need for compensation for emergency services. Bill King, testifying neutrally, said the toll authority generates large excess revenues and urged stronger oversight and clearer controls on how the money is spent. Opponents, including Harris County officials, business and neighborhood representatives, and toll-road critics, argued the bill would divert transportation dollars, create a precedent for taking toll revenues for general municipal use, and could worsen project delivery and incentives; several also questioned the accuracy and interpretation of the revenue figures and the lack of comparable audit requirements for the city. The committee took extensive testimony but left SB 2722 pending without a vote. The committee then heard SB 2129, which would increase fines for motorists who disregard railroad crossing gates or flaggers, and SB 2323, which would redact railroad crew members’ personal information from public accident reports. Both bills were presented as safety measures, with railroad labor testimony in support, and both were left pending after brief public testimony. The committee also heard SB 2141, a Zaffirini bill concerning specialty license plates for judges, with the substitute aimed at reducing security risks by changing how judges are identified on plates; it too was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2439, another Zaffirini bill, described as a TDLR cleanup measure related to ATV and off-highway vehicle safety certification. The bill would abolish the current training and certification program, which supporters said was burdensome and underused given the small number of approved instructors statewide. With no significant opposition on the record, the committee closed testimony and left SB 2439 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> This is an issue that hits close to home to me. Uh my grandfather was a Korean War veteran.
• To Primary and Secondary Education, House Bills 564, 572, and 574.
• </c><00:47:06.319><c> Primary</c><00:47:06.720><c> and</c> energy, Senate Bill 172.
• Primary and energy, Senate Bill 172.
• Primary and Secondary<00:47:07.359><c> Education,</c><00:47:07.920><c> House</c><00:47:08.160><c> Bills

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 06:06 Report of Committees 07:10 Orders of the Day 09:21 HB 253 09:35 HB 508 16:18 HCR 44 29:09 HB 436 31:53 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 35:50 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 41:19 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:02 ConC/Rules Report 46:27 Floor Amendments 47:56 Adjournment 48:34, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval of the prior day’s journal. Committee reports were read for a range of bills and resolutions, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, an adult workforce diploma pilot program, parole board changes, alternative high school diplomas, campaign finance, child care, mental health treatment, gubernatorial transitions, unclaimed property, and state contracts. Those items received first reading and were placed on the calendar. The chamber then considered House Bill 253, relating to reading and language arts instruction. Supporters said the bill follows the earlier Read to Succeed law by requiring instruction grounded in the science of reading and phasing out the three-cueing system, which they argued encourages memorization rather than phonics. A member from House District 93 opposed the prohibition, saying teachers need flexibility and that some district-approved methods remain useful in classrooms. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 94-1, then laid a motion to reconsider on the table. House Bill 508, relating to the protection of veterans benefits, was also debated and passed unanimously 93-0. The sponsor said the bill regulates paid veterans-claims services, requires clear disclosures about free services, limits fees, bars certain practices, and adds annual reporting, while exempting attorneys and law firms. Several members spoke in support, citing personal experiences and the need to protect veterans from bad actors, though some also expressed concern about access to help and urged future federal accreditation language. House Concurrent Resolution 44, urging Congress to create a VA accreditation pathway for private claims companies, was adopted 95-0, and House Bill 436, creating a PGA HOPE-related state parks benefit for veterans and active-duty military participants, passed 94-0. At the end of the session, the House received Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustments and declaring an emergency, for first reading and return to committee. Members also made announcements about upcoming breakfasts, meetings, guest groups, and other events.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's June 1 of this year so that it will apply for this primary election.
• </c><01:44:56.960><c> Move</c> apply for this primary election.
• Move apply for this primary election.
• However, there is often, in these kinds of deals, close collaboration and cooperation.
• </c> acts very closely acts very closely uh<02:52:18.640><c> with</c><02:52:18.880><c> for-profit</c>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work. The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading. The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I will close up the responsible party, Mr.
• In closing, Mr.
• many people who live with HIV to turn to the Aliveness Project as their primary source of care.
• many people who live with HIV to turn to the Aliveness Project as their primary source of care.
• many people who live with HIV to turn to the Aliveness Project as their primary source of care.

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a crucial step toward achieving my dream of becoming a primary care physician in Minnesota.
• made a significant difference in my life and my family's life, allowing me to help patients as a primary
• It has always been my dream to serve as a primary care physician in Minnesota and assist populations.
• This was a crucial step toward achieving my dream of becoming a primary care physician in Minnesota.
• It has always been my dream to serve as a primary care physician in Minnesota and assist populations.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, that we keep close tabs on the public's perception in terms of the administration's legacy.
• Working very closely with PED, and we're glad that they're in the audience today because together we're
• Representative Herrera, then we'll close with Senator Gallegos.
• They're our partners, and we work very closely with them.
• We're going to go to Representative Little to go ahead and close this out. Thank you, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, public testimony is now closed, and the bill is left pending.
• Chair closes public testimony and leaves Senate Bill 277 pending.
• Chair closes public testimony and leaves Senate Bill 277 pending.
• Can you bring the microphone close to your mouth?
• We're going to close public testimony and leave 2148 pending.

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several bills without objection or by recorded vote, including SB 783, SB 1238, SB 1706, SB 1791, SB 458, SB 1644, and SB 1810, with some of them also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then moved into hearings on additional bills. SB 1968, by Senator Schwertner, would update the Real Estate License Act by repealing subagency, requiring written buyer-agent agreements before showings, and clarifying when a formal buyer representation agreement must be signed. Texas Realtors testified in support, saying the bill modernizes agency rules and increases transparency, while a committee substitute corrected drafting issues. SB 2411, the annual update to the Texas Business Organizations Code, was also laid out and left pending after supportive testimony from the Texas Business Law Foundation and drafting committee representatives. The committee also heard SB 2321, which would codify ERCOT’s current practice of notifying TCEQ when backup generation needs enforcement discretion for grid reliability; Sierra Club and a chamber of commerce witness supported it with suggestions for clearer emissions reporting, and the bill was left pending. SB 2077 would broaden eligibility for the Texas Mutual Insurance Company board by narrowing conflict restrictions tied to insurance-related interests; Texas Mutual supported the change and the bill was left pending. SB 1405, a broadband bill, would align state law with FCC standards and streamline Broadband Development Office processes; it was left pending after supportive testimony. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit donor privacy, drew support from privacy advocates and concerns from one witness about transparency for publicly funded nonprofit operations; it was left pending. The committee then heard SB 776, which would bar government construction contracts from shifting delay damages to contractors when delays are caused solely by the public owner. Contractors, surety representatives, and water infrastructure advocates supported the bill, arguing it would improve fairness and reduce inflated bids, while water utilities and critical infrastructure entities opposed it, warning of more litigation and higher costs; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 715, which would apply reliability requirements retroactively to all generation resources in ERCOT, drew opposition from renewable and storage groups and support from some critics of renewable subsidies, with witnesses split over whether it would improve reliability or raise costs; testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the marketing free play tool is the absolute primary driver of that visitation.
• You want to close on your bill? I'll just won't belabor the issue, Mr. Chairman.
• Is that the closing? Yes, sir. That's all you got? That's all I got.
• Would you like to close on the bill? Do you ask for favorable passage?

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Summary: The Senate Judiciary B Committee met on May 27 and first approved the minutes from the May 21 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 75, as amended, which would increase the promotional play tax deduction for gaming facilities from $5 million to $7 million and apply the change to racetracks and other brick-and-mortar casino properties on a phased-in basis. The bill’s author and gaming industry witnesses said the measure would help Louisiana compete with neighboring states, drive visitation, and support horse racing purses and tourism. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 75 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 623, which creates a three-tier system for vapor products and includes related technical changes, including a provision allowing in-person delivery of vapor, alternative nicotine, or smokeless tobacco products by third-party contractors from licensed Louisiana retailers with age verification. Amendments were adopted to correct language and address an effective-date issue tied to another bill. The committee then reported HB 623 with amendments. House Bill 302, which would prohibit the sale of vapor products near schools, was also amended and heard with testimony from the New Orleans Health Department and the American Lung Association. Both witnesses supported youth protections but urged clarifying language to ensure local governments can keep or adopt stricter rules and to avoid conflicts with existing local ordinances; the health department also noted concerns that the bill focuses only on vapor products while youth nicotine use is broader. After discussion, the committee reported HB 302 with amendments. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and members, and the committee adjourned without objection.