Video & Transcript Research : 'foreign entity'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair and members, House Bill 286 prohibits governmental entities and businesses from imposing
- The bill prohibits a government entity from requiring an Arizona resident to wear a mask or face covering
- person is on governmental premises, and removes the exemptions from the prohibitions on government entity
- The bill expands, notwithstanding any other law, the prohibition on government entity vaccination mandates
- The bill expands, notwithstanding any other law, the prohibition on government entity vaccination mandates
Keywords:
kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Extending aspects of the state's reinsurance program 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- providers that was involved, the University of Minnesota, um, exiting the market and, and a private entity
- providers that was involved, the University of Minnesota, um, exiting the market and, and a private entity
- providers that was involved, the University of Minnesota, um, exiting the market and, and a private entity
- providers that was involved, the University of Minnesota, um, exiting the market and, and a private entity
- providers that was involved, the University of Minnesota, um, exiting the market and, and a private entity
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3388, and an A1 amendment was adopted by voice vote. The bill, as amended, would direct the Department of Commerce to seek another federal waiver to continue Minnesota’s reinsurance program and preserve the assessment-and-tax-credit funding model adopted last session. Chair O’Driscoll said the measure is intended to give future legislators options before the current reinsurance structure ends, warning that without it individual-market premiums could rise substantially and more people could lose coverage.
Testimony was largely supportive. Dan Andre of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans said reinsurance has been a success since 2018, has lowered premiums by covering a portion of high-cost claims, and helped subsidize care for more than 5,000 Minnesotans in 2024. Ann New Brindley of the Minnesota Business Partnership and Steven Rubis of the Health Plan Partnership of Minnesota also backed the bill, saying market stability is important amid the loss of federal premium tax credits and that continued reinsurance would help prevent further premium increases and cost shifting. Jonathan Carter of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce likewise supported the bill, citing the program’s role in keeping Minnesota’s individual-market premiums among the lowest in the country.
Members also discussed how the assessment and tax-credit mechanism works, with Chair O’Driscoll describing it as an assessment on plans followed by a tax credit against state liability. Representative Elkins questioned how insurers self-assess, and Representative Smith said the assessment model is preferable to a general-fund approach if the program continues. Representative Kaggel raised concerns about taxpayer costs and the broader health care system, while also saying the current system is unsustainable and in need of more fundamental change. The committee then renewed the motion to lay House File 3388, as amended, over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:05 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, Senator Ramos, I don't think there's anything in this bill that has oversight of how these entities
- are run so again I think it's like any other tax credits these entities are run.
- We created this concept called the microgrid for small entities; it's the name, microgrid.
- We created this concept called the microgrid for small entities; it's the name, microgrid.
- At a minimum, we should require, just like a utility, that these entities, on a regular basis, increase
Keywords:
horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 09:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And I have to say that dealing with the Clay Electric Co-operative is probably the best entity that I've
- House Bill 1217 bars governmental entities from Chair Jacques: adopting net-zero policies on greenhouse
- It does this by prohibiting government entities from adopting net-zero policies, and it bars them from
- We don't believe it's in the economic interest of the state or any entity in it to turn down these funds
- And part of the entities that are working on that are actually very large, you know, Rep.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- But I advise against that because I'm moving that the Rangers move more towards a governmental entity
- than a private entity.
- think of folks I know in Superior that have an annual casino night for their Lions Club and other entities
- that exist. ...casino night for their Lions Club and other entities that exist.
- that use the services of these fine individuals, but also particularly... ...other entities that use
Keywords:
juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Government Affairs May 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There should be private entities that already are teaching about that.
- Every state that has established Every state that has established a similar entity has achieved zero
- There's not been a single recommendation from any of these entities that I don't know.
- There's not been a single recommendation from any of these entities that will do anything to stop gun
- There are 12 states in the country that have similar entities. I'm not concerned with that.
Bills:
SB156
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 11th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And what I found very interesting in my research is just recently, even an entity like NOAA is one of
- the entities that are saying, 'Listen, this is something that we need to take a closer look at and not
- And what I found very interesting in my research is just recently, even an entity like NOAA is one of
- the entities that are saying, listen, this is something that we need to take a closer look at and not
- And once again, you would be surprised an entity such as NOAA—there are several articles out there, just
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 200, which would implement recommendations from DEP’s 2020 Recycling Goal Final Report by creating a technical assistance group to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026. The bill focuses on recycling education and outreach, evaluating the former recycling grant program, and developing markets for recyclable materials. Supporters from the waste and recycling industry and counties said the bill would finally create a real plan to help Florida move toward its recycling goals. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, which would promote green, gray, and hybrid infrastructure, direct USF’s Flood Hub to develop guidelines, require DEP rulemaking on erosion and mangrove protection, and study whether nature-based flood reduction could help lower insurance costs. Supporters appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7000 as a committee bill to continue a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species.
Members next took up SB 56 on weather modification activities. The bill would prohibit the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere to affect weather or sunlight, define geoengineering, increase penalties through an amendment, and create a DEP reporting hotline with possible referral to DOH or emergency management. The sponsor and several supporters argued the bill was needed to address public concerns and lack of oversight, while several senators questioned the evidence, the role of state agencies, and whether the bill was ready for passage. Despite opposition from some members, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 62 creating a resilient building tax credit program, after amending it to shift agency references from DEP to DBPR and add university advisory members, and CS for SB 80 to clarify state park management as conservation-based, require public notice and advisory input for plan changes, and improve reporting on park repairs; both bills were reported favorably after testimony from supporters and conservation groups who sought tighter language to prevent incompatible uses.
Finally, the committee received presentations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on gopher tortoise relocation, wildlife disease surveillance, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. FWC described tortoise relocation and recipient-site programs, ongoing monitoring of wildlife diseases such as chronic wasting disease and feline leukomyelopathy, and efforts to address fish die-offs and update sanctuary agreements amid state-federal jurisdiction issues. No votes were taken on the presentations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- distinction if, as you move it, it leaves the choice to shorten the term or lengthen the term to the entity
- distinction if, as you move it, it leaves the choice to shorten the term or lengthen the term to the entity
- distinction if, as you move it, it leaves the choice to shorten the term or lengthen the term to the entity
- distinction if, as you move it, it leaves the choice to shorten the term or lengthen the term to the entity
- distinction if, as you move it, it leaves the choice to shorten the term or lengthen the term to the entity
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SUCH AS THE FLORIDA NETWORK TO RENDER SERVICES AND PROVIDE SHELTERS AND YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THESE ENTITIES
- PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS, PRODIGY, THOSE ENTITIES. PROBATION AND COMMUNITY INTERVENTION.
- LASTLY THERE IS JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION WHICH INCLUDES ALL THESE ENTITIES WHO ESSENTIALLY SERVE THE JUDICIAL
- THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION IS THE ENTITY THAT SORT OF DOES ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE.
- THOSE ARE EXTRAORDINARY AND INEFFECTIVE ENTITIES.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/21/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you, is this discount available to for-profit entities as well as charitable entities?
- Do you, is this discount available to for-profit entities as well as charitable entities?
- entities as well as charitable entities? entities as well as charitable entities?
- :08.160>
and are not standalone entities and are not standalone entities and therefore<05:07:08.878 - a for-profit entity is coming in. a for-profit entity is coming in.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:17.360>
Um <00:12:18.480>they entity that we're talking about. - Um they entity that we're talking about.
- working group, there's about 10 entities working group, there's about 10 entities in<01:43:39.280
- It's pursuing the agenda of nonprofit techro billionaire entities.
- <02:55:18.240>
that independent quasi judicial entity that independent quasi judicial entity
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational briefing on the Public Utilities Commission’s performance-based regulation (PBR) framework and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ whistleblower complaint process. Chair Jared Kohole opened the meeting, noted it was informational only with no public testimony, and explained that members would hear presentations and then have an opportunity for questions. The committee heard first from Ulupono Initiative, which provided background on why utilities are regulated, how Hawaii’s cost-of-service model and rate cases work, and why PBR was adopted to shift utility incentives away from a capital-investment bias and toward performance, efficiency, cost control, and policy goals such as renewable energy and reliability.
Ulupono described Hawaii’s PBR structure as a five-year multi-year rate plan with annual revenue adjustments, a customer dividend, a Z factor for extraordinary exogenous events, and an exceptional project recovery mechanism for large projects. It also outlined performance incentive mechanisms tied to renewable portfolio standard progress, interconnection speed, reliability, and shared savings. The presentation said the current docket is evaluating a possible hybrid approach that would combine forward-looking forecasting with historical results, and Ulupono advocated for stronger incentives, arguing the current rewards are too small relative to utility revenues and should be more meaningful to better align utility behavior with legislative intent.
The PUC then presented its own overview, emphasizing that the PBR docket is open and active and that the briefing was limited to the record to avoid ex parte concerns. The commission described the development of PBR in Hawaii through multiple phases beginning in 2018: an initial collaborative phase to set goals, a formal contested-case phase that produced the initial framework, later phases adding scorecards, reported metrics, and additional performance incentive mechanisms, and subsequent refinements including sunset of some mechanisms and adjustments after the August 2023 Maui wildfires. The PUC said the framework is intended to be customer-centric, administratively efficient, and protective of utility financial integrity, and that current work includes evaluating how to balance forward-looking and historical test-year approaches within the rebasing process. No votes or formal actions were taken at the briefing.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- immediately to paragraph C, and this will be a review of reports from the occupational authorization entities
- We're licensing the entities that perform that work. Okay.
- We're licensing the entities that perform that work. All right, thank you.
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ explained that it licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses under federal and state law, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners, designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers. Members asked about the continued presence of asbestos in modern products, the status of the program’s grant fund, and why program expenses were expected to rise; DEQ said grants have not been issued in more than six years because revenues have not left a surplus, and the higher expenses reflect a reallocation of inspector salaries to the fund that supports the program. DEQ also described complaint-driven inspections, enforcement tools such as civil penalties and notices of violation, and the health risks of exposure, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection.
The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The commission outlined its standards, compliance, decertification, basic academy, advanced training, and jail standards functions, and said it operates three basic academies in Camden, Benton-Bryant, and Springdale. Members asked about recruitment and retention, academy capacity, training hours, and costs to local agencies; the commission said attendance costs counties nothing because the state funds the academies, and that basic training is being expanded to 705 hours with a greater emphasis on practical instruction. The commission also described separate training for detention officers and school resource officers, and said law enforcement divisions in other agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, are held to the same standards. It noted that most academy attendance requires agency hiring first, though a veterans-to-law-enforcement program allows some veterans to attend on their own and later seek employment. This report also was accepted without objection.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- immediately to paragraph C, and this will be a review of reports from the occupational authorization entities
- We're licensing the entities that perform that work.
- We're licensing the entities that perform that work. All right, thank you.
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ officials explained that the program licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners/designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers, under federal and state requirements. Members asked about asbestos use today, grant funding for removal, inspections funded by fees and fines, complaint handling, enforcement authority, and health risks. DEQ said some asbestos-containing products are still manufactured, grants have not been issued in over six years due to funding constraints, inspectors investigate complaints and can issue civil penalties or other enforcement actions, and exposure can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection.
The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Officials described the agency’s standards and training divisions, three basic academies, advanced training, and jail standards training. Members asked about recruitment, academy capacity, training costs, and curriculum changes. The commission said recruitment and retention are improving, basic academy enrollment is around 700 per year with capacity for about 725 to 750, training costs counties nothing because the state funds it, and basic training is being expanded from 528 hours to 705 hours with more practical instruction based on input from chiefs and sheriffs.
Questions also covered detention officer training, school resource officer training, and whether other agencies are subject to the same standards. Officials said detention officers receive separate training, school resource officers have standalone training approved by the commission, and other law enforcement divisions such as the Department of Agriculture are held to the same standards. They also noted a Veterans to Law Enforcement program that allows eligible veterans to attend the academy without first being hired by an agency, with GI Bill support. The report was accepted without objection, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-LOTTERY OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 16th, 2026
ALC-LOTTERY OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- These events allow us to promote the lottery, and the University of Arkansas is the entity that has And
- the University of Arkansas is the entity that has the most students that benefit from the Arkansas Scholarship
- We are self-sustaining, and we don't receive any appropriations from any state entity.
Summary:
The committee reviewed two Arkansas Scholarship Lottery contracts and the lottery’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget, along with the monthly disclosure report for May 2026. The first contract was a new three-year advertising and marketing agreement with Cranford Company, running July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, for $19.29 million total, with two optional one-year extensions. Lottery officials said the contract followed an RFP with five bids, no disqualifications, and would cost about $1 million less than the prior contract. Members asked about the bid scoring formula and the weight given to price, and the item was reviewed after a motion and vote. The second contract was a three-year University of Arkansas sponsorship agreement through Learfield for $86,800 per year, or $260,400 total, with no extensions; members questioned a system-generated summary figure that incorrectly showed $1.8 million, and staff clarified that the contract itself did not contain that amount. This item was also reviewed without objection after a motion and vote.
In the budget presentation, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery projected about $108.2 million in net proceeds to be transferred to the scholarship account for fiscal 2027. Officials highlighted expected savings of about $1 million each from the new gaming system/scratch ticket printing contracts and the new advertising contract, along with slight shifts in instant and draw ticket revenue forecasts. The committee did not take action on the budget beyond hearing the presentation.
The monthly disclosure report showed May 2026 instant game sales were flat year over year, draw game sales were up 12.6%, and total revenue was up 2.2%, while net proceeds were down 8.2% year over year but up 2.5% versus budget for the month. Year to date, draw game sales were up nearly 11.5% and net proceeds were up about 6.4% to 6.5% year over year, with net proceeds ahead of budget by 9.5%. Members asked how unclaimed prizes are handled, and staff explained that scratch-off prizes must be claimed within 90 days and draw prizes within 180 days; unclaimed prizes remain in reserve during the year, then all but $1 million are transferred to the scholarship trust account at fiscal year end. The meeting ended with praise for the lottery’s marketing around a recent large winner and then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-LOTTERY OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 16th, 2026
ALC-LOTTERY OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- These events allow us to promote the lottery, and the University of Arkansas is the entity that has—
- And the University of Arkansas is the entity that has the most students that benefit from the Arkansas
- We are self-sustaining, and we don't receive any appropriations from any state entity.
Summary:
The committee met to review Arkansas Scholarship Lottery contracts and receive updates on operations and finances. Sharon Strong, the lottery’s executive director, presented a new three-year advertising and marketing contract with Cranford Company for $19.29 million, replacing an expiring contract and coming in below the prior three-year amount. Members asked about the RFP process, number of bids, and how cost is weighted in the award formula; the contract was reviewed and approved without objection after a motion and vote. The committee also reviewed a three-year Learfield sponsorship contract tied to University of Arkansas promotional events for $86,800 per year, with a corrected three-year total of $260,400; members questioned a system-generated summary figure that incorrectly showed a seven-year total, and staff clarified the contract itself was only for three years with no extensions. That item was also reviewed without objection.
Strong then presented the fiscal 2027 budget, highlighting expected savings of about $1 million each from the new gaming system/scratch ticket contracts and the new advertising contract. The lottery projected slight shifts in instant and draw ticket revenue, corresponding prize payout changes, and net proceeds of about $108.2 million transferred to the scholarship account. In the monthly disclosure report for May 2026, she reported flat instant game sales, a 12.6% increase in draw game sales, and year-to-date net proceeds ahead of budget, with strong draw game performance attributed in part to Powerball. Members asked about unclaimed prizes, which remain in reserve during the year and are transferred at fiscal year-end to the scholarship trust account except for a $1 million reserve, and about how scholarship funds are distributed through the Division of Higher Education based on student rosters and class year awards.
The committee also discussed the lottery’s financial statements, including revenue, prize payouts, operating expenses, trust account balances, and unclaimed prize balances. Staff explained that the lottery is self-sustaining and funded by lottery revenue, not taxpayer appropriations, and that the trust account balance is used to meet scholarship requests from higher education. The meeting ended with Senator Hill praising the lottery staff’s marketing around a recent large winner in Little Rock, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #23
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a provision, I believe, added in the Senate amendment that exempts governmental entities if
- Members there was a provision I believe was added in the Senate amendment that exempts governmental entities
- difference because once you've purchased it, it would be considered property of the governmental entity
Summary:
The caucus reviewed several bills on its calendar, mostly focused on Senate amendments and whether sponsors intended to concur. HB 2114 would alter Motorcycle Safety Fund distributions and motorcycle registration rules, including a Senate change requiring at least one registered owner to be licensed in Arizona; the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2729 would continue several boards and agencies, including the Board of Nursing, Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, Board of Physician Assistance, Department of Economic Security, and Board of Pharmacy; the sponsor also intended to concur.
Members discussed two agriculture property inspection bills, HB 2104 and HB 2105. HB 2104 would change rules for agricultural property classification and inspections, while HB 2105 would add notice and reporting requirements for inspections; both had Senate amendments that changed inspection timing and exemptions. Some members raised concerns about county assessors’ workload, opposition from county organizations, and possible inequities and insurance or disaster-related consequences for agricultural property owners.
HB 2477, the Arizona Education Savings Plan bill, drew the most discussion. The Senate amendment combined the 529-related provisions with several treasurer-related restrictions and investment rules, and members questioned the policy implications of allowing 529 funds to roll into Roth IRAs. HB 4117 would create or expand criminal penalties for interfering with religious worship, and some members expressed concern about civil liberties and equality issues, while the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2311 would require AI service disclosures to minors and, after substantial Senate amendments, to all account holders in some cases; members asked about effects on schools and government systems, and some noted concerns about the expanded scope and AG enforcement limits.
The caucus also heard SCR 1004, which would prohibit photo enforcement traffic programs after December 31 subject to voter approval, though existing programs could continue under certain conditions; law enforcement concerns were noted. SB 1110 would establish a home confinement and electronic monitoring program in the Department of Corrections. SB 1618 would revise the Military Affairs Commission’s membership and duties, but one member objected to adding defense-industry representation and warned about military-industrial-complex influence. The meeting ended with the chair noting that only the bills that had gone through rules were on the agenda and adjourned the caucus.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Feb 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- was updated on the status of the December 31st, 2022 delinquent private water and sewer audits. 19 entities
- Of the 64 delinquent entities, 59 have filed their reports.
- Of the 64 delinquent entities, 59 have filed their reports since the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County.
The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs.
The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jun 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also holds that entities that remove a battery from a vehicle, such as an auto shop or dismantler
- The bill also holds that entities that remove a battery from a vehicle, such as an auto shop or dismantler
- with Nossaman, in opposition, oppose unless amended, as motorcycle and powersports are much smaller entities
Summary:
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard SB 615 by Senator Allen, which would create a Department of Toxic Substances Control program for end-of-life electric vehicle battery management. The bill is intended to promote reuse, repurposing, recycling, tracking, and responsible handling of EV batteries, with producer responsibility and certification of recyclers as key features. Supporters, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, California State Association of Counties, automakers, recyclers, and environmental groups, said the measure would help prevent hazardous waste problems, reduce illegal dumping, and prepare for a coming wave of battery retirements. Opponents, including Tesla, Rivian, the California Chamber of Commerce, and others, raised concerns about liability, burdens on smaller entities, and the bill’s structure, while some groups supported it if amended.
Committee members discussed the current low recycling rate for EV batteries, the difference between reuse, repurpose, and recycling, and whether the bill appropriately places responsibility on producers rather than consumers. The author said the bill builds on prior work and stakeholder input and is designed to create a workable system without overburdening DTSC. After quorum was established, the committee voted SB 615 out on a 5-1 vote, with one member voting no.
The committee also took up a consent calendar containing SB 39, SB 454, SB 724, and SCR 3, and those measures were approved. The hearing then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- course, the Treasury would receive that back over time, subject to the payment capabilities of those entities
- But the majority of that money was structured as low-interest loans, 3% loans for entities that qualified
- Therefore, reimbursement of expenses to that entity that is either developing or deploying nuclear supply
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of House bills as pending business, voting to report many of them favorably to the full Senate. Bills reported favorably included HB 705, 1094, 2037, 3005, 3112, 3320, 3388, 3516, 3923, 4134, 4214, 4233, 4350, 4559, 4748, 4765, 5093, 5129, and 5196, with several also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Some measures were reported with committee substitutes, including HB 3516, HB 3848, HB 4211, and HB 14. HB 2488 and HB 3320 had some dissenting votes, while most other bills were approved unanimously or near-unanimously.
The committee spent the most time on HB 14, which Senator Schwertner explained would create the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office in the governor’s office and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund. The substitute would appropriate $350 million this biennium for reimbursement-based grants to support nuclear generation, supply chain development, pre-construction work, and construction-stage costs, with approval from the lieutenant governor, speaker, and governor. Senators Menendez and Nichols asked clarifying questions about whether the program involved grants rather than loans, how reimbursable grants would work, and who would evaluate applications; Schwertner said the program was modeled on the Enterprise Fund and that the grants would not be loans.
After the committee had recessed, Senator Zaffirini asked to change her no votes on HB 4211 and HB 4233 to ayes so those bills could be placed on the local and uncontested calendar, while still registering no votes there. Senator Kolkhorst similarly asked to change her vote on HB 2488 to an aye for calendar purposes, while preserving her no vote. The committee then recessed again after completing its actions on the bills before it.