Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Cyber Command is now created a standalone state agency, subject to the same laws, appropriation
• Next, with regard to emergency purchasing concerns.
• Because seconds matter during an attack, we preserved rapid purchasing authority, but only inside strict
• The executive director must now certify in writing that, one, a bona fide cyber emergency does exist,
• All such purchases appear in a quarterly report to the Legislative Budget Board and the state auditor

Summary: The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and considered several House bills. House Bill 111 was taken up as a committee substitute; members briefly discussed what entities the bill would apply to, and the committee substitute was adopted and reported favorably to the full Senate by a 6-5 vote. House Bill 150, relating to the Texas Cyber Command, received extensive explanation of a revised committee substitute that made the command a standalone state agency, allowed flexible state partnerships, preserved vendor neutrality, added emergency purchasing guardrails and reporting, protected existing confidentiality laws, limited monitoring to contracted entities, and clarified coordination with law enforcement rather than direct prosecution. The substitute was adopted and HB 150 was reported favorably 11-0. The committee also reported House Bill 2517 favorably without debate, 10 ayes and 1 present not voting. House Bill 2963 was considered with a committee substitute that added a definition of “power sports vehicle” and exempted those items from the right-to-repair bill; the substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. House Bill 3520 was reported favorably by a 7-4 vote, and House Bill 5435 was reported favorably 11-0 and also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. After completing the votes, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• IS THE CURRENT STANDARD THAT ONCE A STATE OF EMERGENCY IS DECLARED LOCALLY THAT THE PURCHASE AND SALE
• I'M SURE THE WAY THE STATUTE WORKS IS IF SOMETHING IS DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY ON A STATE BASIS,
• YOU MENTIONED STATE DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY.
• YOU ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT ANY STATE DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY BECAUSE WE ARE -- I MEAN WE ARE IN A STATE
• A STATE OF EMERGENCY ALSO BUT WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS A LOT OF THOSE STATES OF EMERGENCY LOCAL THAT ARE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill simply requires state agencies and state universities not to share data with federal agencies
• However, if someone outside of the state requests that information, it does not permit the state to give
• However, if someone outside of the state requests that information, it does not permit the state to give
• Well stated.
• state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our state. our state.
• Chair, if people in other states, if legislatures in other states, if governors in other states prefer
• operating in this state. operating in this state.
• those states. those states.
• c> betting state state regulated sports betting state state regulated sports betting product.<01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gary Gibbs, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on the Arts, to please state your name.
• The Chair calls Rob Latscha, Executive Director of the Bond Review Board. to state their name and their
• My name is Andrew Friedrichs and I serve as the Executive Director for the Commission on State Emergency
• One would be to reclassify the executive director to Group 5 That's identical to a State Auditor's Office
• I'm president of the board of directors of the Retired State Employees Association, and that board is

Transcript Highlights:

• the Supreme Court of the United States the Supreme Court of the United States recently<00:17:14.319
• Rob Ratliff, I'm the executive director Rob Ratliff, I'm the executive director with<00:35:40.160
• to the KLEOC director to the KLEOC director uh<00:36:56.520> to<00:36:56.680> approve<
• <00:43:15.840> have legislation as 21 other states have legislation as 21 other states have
• <00:47:19.280> encounter that cities across the state encounter that cities across the state

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Age-Friendly Director there.
• I highly encourage ... ...your state representatives and local police departments across the state to
• Waymo can operate in any state.
• and across the United States.
• I represent and am an active member of the Bay State Council of the Blind, the state affiliate of the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment. Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this state competes with other states.
• Gary Gibbs, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on the Arts, to please state your name.
• Thank you, the chair calls Rob to Executive Director of the Bond Review Board to state their name and
• Thank you so much, George. calls Andrew Friedrichs, Executive Director for the Commission on State Emergency
• President of the Board of Directors of the Retired State Employees Association.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of state?
• I'm the state fire marshal.
• The state fire code is recommended to the legislature by the Utah State...
• The state fire code is recommended to the legislature by the Utah State Fire Prevention Board.
• Thank you, Director.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is actually our third round of grants for local and state cybersecurity. for $605,000 in state operations
• entities or the state auditor for example.
• of funding is still remains available to state agencies sure do you know you know state agencies are
• It's called State of New York versus Trump.
• Please state your name and be brief.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the great state of North Dakota, we will come to order.
• Of a pay increase for the executive director.
• , Bismarck State, and Dakota College of Science.
• United States Supreme Court 52 years ago in 1973.
• If that occurs, that's not a state standard. If that occurs, that's not a state standard.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum. It then took up a series of appropriations and policy bills, with the most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. The House approved amendments that shifted governance of the department and veterans’ home from ACOVA to the governor, citing concerns about ACOVA’s salary-setting actions and broader appropriation oversight. Members opposed to the change argued ACOVA had studied compensation and acted within its role. The amended bill passed 57-34, and the final bill passed 69-22 with the emergency clause carrying. The House also passed Senate Bill 2001, the legislative branch budget, which funds the 2027 session, legislative staff, chamber upgrades, IT improvements, and salary adjustments for legislative leaders; the bill passed 62-29, but the emergency clause failed. Senate Bill 2019, the Career and Technical Education budget, passed 82-10 with emergency clause. Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget, passed 75-17 after discussion of data center migration, service automation, mainframe transition, ERP study, and DPI’s move from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Other measures passed included Senate Bill 2228 for rural grocery store sustainability grants, Senate Bill 2390 creating a rural catalyst community grant program, Senate Bill 2188 adjusting the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, and Senate Bill 2265 authorizing a veterans national cemetery grant and line of credit with added reporting safeguards. Several House bills returned from the Senate were concurred in and then passed, including House Bill 1361 on mandatory minimum sentences for human trafficking offenders, House Bill 1017 for the Game and Fish Department, House Bill 1588 on firearms and dangerous weapons provisions, House Bill 1429 on harassment and stalking involving robots, House Bill 1591 on county fair resiliency grants, House Bill 1537 on service agreement protection for water projects, House Bill 1203 on edible medical marijuana products, and House Bill 1027 transferring administration of the State Fire and Tornado Fund from the Insurance Commissioner to OMB. The House also rejected a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2307, which dealt with library materials and obscenity-related restrictions, by a vote of 48-51. In addition, the chamber appointed conference committees on several House and Senate measures where concurrence had failed, and laid over Senate Bill 2340 for two legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• The out-of-state, for out-of-state students, U.S. residents and...
• I am the director of the Northern Crops Institute, housed at North Dakota State University, and have
• I'm Denver Tolliver, the director of North Dakota State University's Upper Great Plains Transportation
• In terms of coordination and cooperation with North Dakota State University, the director, me, reports
• And then state forests.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the State Advocacy Director for the iDevelopment and Economic Association, often referred to as
• I am the state advocacy director for the Eye Development and Economic Association, often referred to
• for the states increased dramatically in every state that has licensed iGaming.
• non-iGaming states.
• states residents.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a range of gaming, racing, horse protection, problem gambling, and lottery bills. A major focus was H. 356 and related horse-racing legislation, which drew strong support from residents and animal-welfare advocates who argued that proposed racetrack and simulcast developments should require upfront traffic, environmental, public health, and economic studies, plus stronger local approval and transparency. They said past proposals in several communities had lacked adequate information and had imposed costs on towns. Opponents, including the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, argued that the bills would harm racing, breeding, farms, and related jobs, and said horse racing is already heavily regulated and that claims about slaughter and safety were overstated. Several speakers also supported S. 280, which would protect horses and phase out or restrict horse racing, citing animal cruelty, injuries, and deaths. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 235 and HB 332 to authorize regulated online casino gaming (iGaming). DraftKings, FanDuel, IDEA, and the Sports Betting Alliance supported the bills, saying iGaming is already occurring illegally in Massachusetts and should be brought into a regulated, taxed market with age verification, responsible gaming tools, and consumer protections. They projected substantial annual tax revenue and argued legal iGaming would not cannibalize brick-and-mortar casinos, instead creating a “rising tide” effect. Opponents, including Local 26, the National Association Against iGaming, and problem-gambling advocates, warned of job losses, casino cannibalization, increased addiction, and greater harm to vulnerable players, citing experiences in other states and rising helpline calls. The committee asked for follow-up information on revenue and market-size estimates. Later, Rep. Scanlon testified in support of S. 240 and S. 241, which would standardize gambling disclaimers and require annual reporting on problem-gambling treatment funded through the Public Health Trust Fund. He said the bills would make it easier for people to find help and improve oversight of treatment programs. Rep. Garcia testified in support of H. 434, which would change the formula for distributing lottery revenues, arguing that gateway and lower-income communities such as Chelsea contribute heavily to lottery sales but receive too little back in local aid. After hearing additional testimony and reading into the record bills that received no testimony, the committee recessed briefly, then closed the hearing by motion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Communications and reports from state officers. Motions and resolutions.
• This is a decision for the State of New York.
• , and almost the entire board of directors?
• , and almost the entire board of directors?
• , THE TREASURER AND ALMOST THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 13, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, received a message discharging Assembly Bill 2330 from committee and substituting identical Senate Bill 5843, and welcomed visiting delegations from Connecticut. The chamber also adopted privileged resolution J.1753, honoring Saint Patrick and Irish Americans and memorializing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month. Senators Kavanagh and Fahy spoke in support, emphasizing Irish heritage, immigration, public service, and the St. Patrick’s Day tradition; the resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate then acted on a series of bills on the calendar. Measures passed included bills by Senators Hinchey, Comrie, Skoufis, Stavisky, Sanders, Kavanagh, Gianaris, Cleare, and others, with several receiving unanimous support and a few drawing recorded negative votes. Senator Fernandez’s education bill related to placing opioid antagonists with AEDs and first aid kits in schools passed 60-1 after supportive remarks from Senators Oberacker and Fernandez. A bill authorizing a study on lithium-ion battery fires also passed unanimously, with Senators Borrello and Weik explaining affirmative votes while urging caution about electric bus mandates. The most debated item was Calendar 446, Senator May’s bill directing the Department of Economic Development to move the Central New York Welcome Center from Destiny USA to the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. Senator Walczyk questioned the move’s cost, location, visitor traffic, and local support, arguing Destiny USA was the better site; Senator May responded that the state had built the Auburn facility and should provide sustainable operating support. The bill passed 47-15. The Senate then completed the controversial calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• , a wealthy state.
• <03:36:11.439> Now healthy state, a wealthy state. Now healthy state, a wealthy state.
• approved at the state level? approved at the state level?
• The state<03:43:02.560> does state does state does >> follow.<03:43:05.120> Thank
• It's only state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This year we're behind 32 other states and in fact 11 states have, don't just require that the high schools
• And you might think that these states are states like Washington or Massachusetts where they have a big
• of computer director of computer using you .
• But red states are very focused on drawing blue state business.
• level from then reverting back to the state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . directors. directors.
• . state. state.
• Well, we would be able to increase purchasing power for the state.
• <02:08:43.200> So<02:08:43.360> now purchasing power for the state.
• So now purchasing power for the state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have the Cybersecurity Office Director Rajasin Vandam, as well as Jeff Lopez, the Director of
• As far as overall cybersecurity in the State, how is AI affecting the state? Is it getting worse?
• here with Raja and our Director, Jeff Lopez.
• I have had problems with that, and it runs into issues over and over again but the state raises for state
• I'm Randy Varela, state fire marshal.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 27% of the state spend.
• conduct out. state to conduct a competitive market process whereby the state writes a best in class
• 27% of the state spend. savings were 27 percent of the state spend.
• We work for several state attorneys general and several state auditors.
• We’re deleting in this state and inserting offering health coverage plans in this state.

Bills: SB511, SB512, HB591, HB909, HB938, HB1154, HB1187

Keywords: automobile repairs, insurance transparency, repair shop liability, non-OEM parts, policyholder rights, automobile insurance, appraisal process, insurance policyholders, dispute resolution, claim valuation, family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, behavioral health, crisis services, mental health care, insurance coverage, healthcare access

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm senior director of state affairs with the Consumer Brands Association.
• That means that every state is the lowest common denominator, which means that every state is going to
• That means that every state is the lowest common denominator, which means that every state is going to
• to state.
• state believes they can do this, and every state deserves the prerogative.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard four bills. CS/SB 150, by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon a restrained animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado, and was presented as “Trooper’s Law” in response to a widely publicized rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. The bill drew supportive public cards and brief supportive remarks from Senator Boyd, then passed unanimously and was reported favorably. SB 374, by Senator Truenow, would refine the definition of farm product to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from adopting ordinances that limit the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment was withdrawn to allow further discussion on food waste issues. Speakers from composting, recycling, and poultry interests supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 560, by Senator Martin, would restrict certain chemical additives in food products. The sponsor said the bill targets 10 chemicals he believes are harmful, noted that two have already been banned by the FDA, and argued Florida should act rather than wait for federal action. Industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules, raising costs, and disrupting supply chains, while some senators said they supported the bill for now but expected further changes. The committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Rouson voting no. SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry, add criminal penalties for certain dangerous-dog attacks, and require permits, microchipping, spay/neuter, and $100,000 liability insurance for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and the Rock family described severe attacks and deaths involving dangerous dogs and argued the registry would help protect the public. Some senators questioned the registry’s usefulness, the amount of information collected, and insurance availability, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.