Transcript Highlights:

• If we see that risk assessment dial turn up significantly in a direction that we don't like, I would
• be today so I think we'll continue to make that assessment we will if we see that risk assessment dial

Summary: The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border. USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later. Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production. Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you dial 911, you don't ask them, hey, wait a minute. Where are you from? You say thank you.
• When you dial 911, you don't ask them, hey, wait a minute. Where are you from? You say thank you.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B, the immigration bill, and members were told they would have one opportunity to question the sponsor on both the House version and the anticipated Senate changes. Representative McClure described the bill as a major immigration-enforcement package creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, a local law enforcement grant program, a state immigration council, and new penalties and enforcement tools. He also outlined anticipated Senate language, including stronger 287(g) participation requirements, enhanced penalties for unauthorized aliens, a mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses, and additional coordination with federal agencies. The bill drew extensive questioning from Democrats about due process, constitutional issues, school and workplace impacts, and the treatment of people whose immigration status changes over time. Members asked about birthright citizenship, TPS, asylum seekers, pretrial detention standards, the lawful basis for detaining someone based on suspected status, and whether teachers, social workers, school resource officers, and even children could be required to cooperate with immigration enforcement. McClure and Representative Garrison repeatedly said the bill would require cooperation with federal authorities, that status determinations would be handled under existing court procedures, and that the Senate death-penalty language was intended to fit within Hurst by requiring a jury finding beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was an unauthorized alien. They also said the bill did not provide DMV funding, did not address teacher shortages, and included appropriations such as $25 million for the local law enforcement participation incentive program and broader funding for enforcement and training. Several amendments were considered. Representative Chambliss offered an amendment to protect schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; supporters argued it would preserve trust in sacred and educational spaces, but the amendment failed. Representative Escamani offered an amendment to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers; supporters emphasized the educational and economic contributions of Dreamers and the hardship of higher tuition, but that amendment also failed. The debate ended with no bill vote in the excerpt, but the House completed the amendment votes and continued consideration of the immigration measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• pad, which automatically called 911 because the phone had been programmed no matter what was dialed
• </c><01:15:14.159><c> uh</c><01:15:14.560><c> pad,</c><01:15:15.600><c> which</c> across the dialing
• uh pad, which across the dialing uh pad, which automatically<01:15:16.960><c> called</c><01:15:17.280
• had been programmed no matter what phone had been programmed no matter what was<01:15:21.280><c> dialed
• </c><01:15:23.280><c> and</c><01:15:23.520><c> first</c> was dialed to call 911. and first was dialed

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• In some cases, you can just hit some radio dials and probably be done in 5 minutes and you complete the
• In some cases, you can just hit some radio dials and probably be done in 5 minutes and you complete the
• In some cases, you can just hit some radio dials and probably be done in 5 minutes and you complete the

Bills: HF3901 , HF962 , HF4428 , HF4478 , HF1775

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: foster care, ombudsperson, investigative powers, children's rights, complaint process, HF4428, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, community engagement, work requirement, work mandate, employment requirement, community service, 80 hours, half-time student, income threshold, federal minimum wage, eligibility verification, benefit suspension, benefit termination

Transcript Highlights:

• When they call the VA, they do a robo dial, punch in the veteran's information, and find out if their
• When they call the VA, they do a robo dial, punch in the veteran's information, and find out if their
• When they call the VA, they do a robo dial, punch in the veteran's information, and find out if their

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• May I dial up for a minute with the I dial up for a minute with the I dial up for a minute with the gentleman

Bills: SJR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 241 , SB 406 , SB 414 , SB 464 , SB 568 , SB 578 , SB 609 , SB 660 , SB 689 , SB 693 , SB 785 , SB 857 , SB 879 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 955 , SB 985 , SB 993 , SB 996 , SB 1008 , SB 1035 , SB 1036 , SB 1059 , SB 1098 , SB 1120 , SB 1122 , SB 1147 , SB 1188 , SB 1197 , SB 1209 , SB 1227 , SB 1245 , SB 1267 , SB 1307 , SB 1321 , SB 1332 , SB 1386 , SB 1396 , SB 1453 , SB 1484 , SB 1494 , SB 1536 , SB 1537 , SB 1596 , SB 1610 , SB 1664 , SB 1741 , SB 1814 , SB 1822 , SB 1841 , SB 1948 , SB 2065 , SB 2155 , SB 2188 , SB 2230 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SJR 36 , SJR 12 , SJR 81 , SJR 50 , SCR 22 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 406 , SB 689 , SB 765 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 888 , SB 687 , SB 847 , SB 1248 , SB 504 , SB 857 , SB 305 , SB 296 , SB 284 , SB 241 , SB 304 , SB 1023 , SB 204 , SB 609 , SB 670 , SB 850 , SB 854 , SB 413 , SB 1346 , SB 1033 , SB 1220 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1539 , SB 447 , SB 1119 , SB 1505 , SB 1215 , SB 1302 , SB 583 , SB 673 , SB 681 , SB 1172 , SB 955 , SB 957 , SB 1120 , SB 541 , SB 266 , SB 1415 , SB 53 , SB 1352 , SB 785 , SB 1450 , SB 1502 , SB 1566 , SB 414 , SB 1062 , SB 711 , SB 746 , SB 1404 , SB 1448 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1355 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1596 , SB 1403 , SB 667 , SB 1059 , SB 1567 , SB 310 , SB 311 , SB 505 , SB 1209 , SB 1210 , SB 1470 , SB 264 , SB 1029 , SB 1358 , SB 1364 , SB 1569 , SB 1376 , SB 1228 , SB 519 , SB 1350 , SB 462 , SB 827 , SB 1585 , SB 1396 , SB 1484 , SB 1273 , SB 1741 , SB 927 , SB 1227 , SB 1229 , SB 1353 , SB 1464 , SB 1709 , SB 1729 , SB 1733 , SB 1744 , SB 1772 , SB 1841 , SB 2188 , SB 1147 , SB 879 , SB 1008 , SB 1536 , SB 2016 , SB 1453 , SB 1173 , SB 1163 , SB 996 , SB 27 , SB 568 , SB 1370 , SB 1321 , SB 1101 , SB 860 , SB 993 , SB 693 , SB 1610 , SB 1537 , SB 1332 , SB 1307 , SB 963 , SB 493 , SB 922 , SB 984 , SB 619 , SB 1098 , SB 1122 , SB 455 , SB 522 , SB 1057 , SB 1239 , SB 1254 , SB 1255 , SB 1259 , SB 1341 , SB 1664 , SB 1877 , SB 464 , SB 1277 , SB 32 , SB 732 , SB 660 , SB 731 , SB 921 , SB 268 , SB 1822 , SB 1188 , SB 1589 , SB 397 , SB 2230 , SB 1058 , SB 1036 , SB 1267 , SB 2112 , SB 1930 , SB 532 , SB 1035 , SB 2155 , SB 508 , SB 29 , SB 292 , SB 291 , SB 901 , SB 1333 , SB 1436 , SB 1494 , SB 964 , SB 779 , SB 1378 , SB 2312 , SB 1719 , SB 1386 , SB 287 , SB 2143 , SB 1245 , SB 261 , SB 1247 , SB 1948 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SB 1882 , SB 1197 , SB 1814 , SB 618 , SB 38 , SB 393 , SB 2065 , SB 1371 , SB 1394 , SB 1365 , SB 2243 , SB 2226 , SB 2039 , SB 1919 , SB 1895 , SB 1598 , SB 1493 , SB 1810 , SB 1791 , SB 1706 , SB 1644 , SB 1238 , SB 783 , SB 458 , SB 22 , SB 651 , SB 897 , SB 1809 , SB 1080 , SB 745 , SB 826 , SB 989 , SB 1320 , SB 1437 , SB 2320 , SB 2289 , SB 1171 , SB 664 , SB 1637 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 857 , SB 879 , SB 922 , SB 1098 , SB 1453 , SB 1536 , SB 1741 , SB 2188 , SB 2230 , SB 406 , SB 689 , SJR 12 , SR 358 , SR 361 , SR 362 , SR 368 , SJR 74 , SJR 76 , SB 2408 , SB 2409 , SB 2461 , SB 2462 , SB 2463 , SB 2464 , SB 2465 , SB 2466 , SB 2467 , SB 2468 , SB 2469 , SB 2470 , SB 2471 , SB 2472 , SB 2473 , SB 2474 , SB 2475 , SB 2476 , SB 2477 , SB 2478 , SB 2479 , SB 2480 , SB 2481 , SB 2482 , SB 2483 , SB 2484 , SB 2485 , SB 2486 , SB 2487 , SB 2488 , SB 2489 , SB 2490 , SB 2491 , SB 2492 , SB 2493 , SB 2494 , SB 2495 , SB 2496 , SB 2497 , SB 2498 , SB 2499 , SB 2500 , SB 2501 , SB 2502 , SB 2503 , SB 2504 , SB 2505 , SB 2506 , SB 2507 , SB 2508 , SB 2509 , SB 2510 , SB 2511 , SB 2512 , SB 2513 , SB 2514 , SB 2515 , SB 2516 , SB 2517 , SB 2518 , SB 2519 , SB 2520 , SB 2521 , SB 2522 , SB 2523 , SB 2524 , SB 2525 , SB 2526 , SB 2527 , SB 2528 , SB 2529 , SB 2530 , SB 2531 , SB 2532 , SB 2533 , SB 2534 , SB 2535 , SB 2536 , SB 2537 , SB 2538 , SB 2539 , SB 2540 , SB 2541 , SB 2542 , SB 2543 , SB 2544 , SB 2545 , SB 2546 , SB 2547 , SB 2548 , SB 2549 , SB 2550 , SB 2551 , SB 2552 , SB 2553 , SB 2554 , SB 2555 , SB 2556 , SB 2557 , SB 2558 , SB 2560 , SB 2561 , SB 2562 , SB 2563 , SB 2565 , SB 2566 , SB 2567 , SB 2568 , SB 2569 , SB 2570 , SB 2571 , SB 2572 , SB 2573 , SB 2574 , SB 2575 , SB 2576 , SB 2577 , SB 2578 , SB 2579 , SB 2580 , SB 2581 , SB 2582 , SB 2583 , SB 2584 , SB 2585 , SB 2586 , SB 2587 , SB 2588 , SB 2589 , SB 2590 , SB 2591 , SB 2592 , SB 2593 , SB 2594 , SB 2595 , SB 2596 , SB 2597 , SB 2598 , SB 2599 , SB 2600 , SB 2601 , SB 2602 , SB 2603 , SB 2604 , SB 2605 , SB 2606 , SB 2607 , SB 2608 , SB 2609 , SB 2610 , SB 2611 , SB 2612 , SB 2613 , SB 2614 , SB 2615 , SB 2616 , SB 2617 , SB 2618 , SB 2619 , SB 2620 , SB 2621 , SB 2622 , SB 2625 , SB 2626 , SB 2627 , SB 2628 , SB 2629 , SB 2630 , SB 2631 , SB 2632 , SB 2633 , SB 2634 , SB 2635 , SB 2636 , SB 2637 , SB 2638 , SB 2639 , SB 2640 , SB 2641 , SB 2642 , SB 2643 , SB 2644 , SB 2645 , SB 2646 , SB 2647 , SB 2648 , SB 2649 , SB 2650 , SB 2651 , SB 2652 , SB 2653 , SB 2654 , SB 2655 , SB 2656 , SB 2657 , SB 2658 , SB 2659 , SB 2660 , SB 2661 , SB 2662 , SB 2663 , SB 2664 , SB 2665 , SB 2666 , SB 2667 , SB 2668 , SB 2669 , SB 2670 , SB 2671 , SB 2672 , SB 2673 , SB 2674 , SB 2675 , SB 2676 , SB 2677 , SB 2678 , SB 2679 , SB 2680 , SB 2681 , SB 2682 , SB 2683 , SB 2684 , SB 2685 , SB 2686 , SB 2687 , SB 2688 , SB 2689 , SB 2690 , SB 2691 , SB 2692 , SB 2693 , SB 2694 , SB 2695 , SB 2696 , SB 2697 , SB 2698 , SB 2699 , SB 2700 , SB 2701 , SB 2702 , SB 2703 , SB 2704 , SB 2705 , SB 2706 , SB 2707 , SB 2708 , SB 2709 , SB 2710 , SB 2711 , SB 2712 , SB 2713 , SB 2714 , SB 2715 , SB 2716 , SB 2717 , SB 2718 , SB 2719 , SB 2720 , SB 2721 , SB 2723 , SB 2724 , SB 2725 , SB 2726 , SB 2727 , SB 2728 , SB 2729 , SB 2730 , SB 2731 , SB 2732 , SB 2733 , SB 2734 , SB 2735 , SB 2736 , SB 2737 , SB 2738 , SB 2739 , SB 2740 , SB 2741 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2744 , SB 2745 , SB 2746 , SB 2747 , SB 2748 , SB 2749 , SB 2750 , SB 2751 , SB 2752 , SB 2753 , SB 2754 , SB 2755 , SB 2756 , SB 2757 , SB 2758 , SB 2759 , SB 2760 , SB 2761 , SB 2762 , SB 2763 , SB 2764 , SB 2765 , SB 2766 , SB 2767 , SB 2768 , SB 2769 , SB 2770 , SB 2771 , SB 2772 , SB 2773 , SB 2774 , SB 2775 , SB 2776 , SB 2777 , SB 2778 , SB 2779 , SB 2780 , SB 2781 , SB 2782 , SB 2783 , SB 2784 , SB 2785 , SB 2786 , SB 2787 , SB 2788 , SB 2789 , SB 2790 , SB 2791 , SB 2792 , SB 2793 , SB 2794 , SB 2795 , SB 2796 , SB 2797 , SB 2798 , SB 2799 , SB 2800 , SB 2967 , SB 3034 , HJR 1 , HJR 4 , HB 9 , HB 13 , HB 22 , HB 135 , HB 143 , HB 195 , HB 908 , HB 1392 , SB 861 , SB 1013 , SJR 74 , SJR 76 , SB 2408 , SB 2409 , SB 2461 , SB 2462 , SB 2463 , SB 2464 , SB 2465 , SB 2466 , SB 2467 , SB 2468 , SB 2469 , SB 2470 , SB 2471 , SB 2472 , SB 2473 , SB 2474 , SB 2475 , SB 2476 , SB 2477 , SB 2478 , SB 2479 , SB 2480 , SB 2481 , SB 2482 , SB 2483 , SB 2484 , SB 2485 , SB 2486 , SB 2487 , SB 2488 , SB 2489 , SB 2490 , SB 2491 , SB 2492 , SB 2493 , SB 2494 , SB 2495 , SB 2496 , SB 2497 , SB 2498 , SB 2499 , SB 2500 , SB 2501 , SB 2502 , SB 2503 , SB 2504 , SB 2505 , SB 2506 , SB 2507 , SB 2508 , SB 2509 , SB 2510 , SB 2511 , SB 2512 , SB 2513 , SB 2514 , SB 2515 , SB 2516 , SB 2517 , SB 2518 , SB 2519 , SB 2520 , SB 2521 , SB 2522 , SB 2523 , SB 2524 , SB 2525 , SB 2526 , SB 2527 , SB 2528 , SB 2529 , SB 2530 , SB 2531 , SB 2532 , SB 2533 , SB 2534 , SB 2535 , SB 2536 , SB 2537 , SB 2538 , SB 2539 , SB 2540 , SB 2541 , SB 2542 , SB 2543 , SB 2544 , SB 2545 , SB 2546 , SB 2547 , SB 2548 , SB 2549 , SB 2550 , SB 2551 , SB 2552 , SB 2553 , SB 2554 , SB 2555 , SB 2556 , SB 2557 , SB 2558 , SB 2560 , SB 2561 , SB 2562 , SB 2563 , SB 2565 , SB 2566 , SB 2567 , SB 2568 , SB 2569 , SB 2570 , SB 2571 , SB 2572 , SB 2573 , SB 2574 , SB 2575 , SB 2576 , SB 2577 , SB 2578 , SB 2579 , SB 2580 , SB 2581 , SB 2582 , SB 2583 , SB 2584 , SB 2585 , SB 2586 , SB 2587 , SB 2588 , SB 2589 , SB 2590 , SB 2591 , SB 2592 , SB 2593 , SB 2594 , SB 2595 , SB 2596 , SB 2597 , SB 2598 , SB 2599 , SB 2600 , SB 2601 , SB 2602 , SB 2603 , SB 2604 , SB 2605 , SB 2606 , SB 2607 , SB 2608 , SB 2609 , SB 2610 , SB 2611 , SB 2612 , SB 2613 , SB 2614 , SB 2615 , SB 2616 , SB 2617 , SB 2618 , SB 2619 , SB 2620 , SB 2621 , SB 2622 , SB 2625 , SB 2626 , SB 2627 , SB 2628 , SB 2629 , SB 2630 , SB 2631 , SB 2632 , SB 2633 , SB 2634 , SB 2635 , SB 2636 , SB 2637 , SB 2638 , SB 2639 , SB 2640 , SB 2641 , SB 2642 , SB 2643 , SB 2644 , SB 2645 , SB 2646 , SB 2647 , SB 2648 , SB 2649 , SB 2650 , SB 2651 , SB 2652 , SB 2653 , SB 2654 , SB 2655 , SB 2656 , SB 2657 , SB 2658 , SB 2659 , SB 2660 , SB 2661 , SB 2662 , SB 2663 , SB 2664 , SB 2665 , SB 2666 , SB 2667 , SB 2668 , SB 2669 , SB 2670 , SB 2671 , SB 2672 , SB 2673 , SB 2674 , SB 2675 , SB 2676 , SB 2677 , SB 2678 , SB 2679 , SB 2680 , SB 2681 , SB 2682 , SB 2683 , SB 2684 , SB 2685 , SB 2686 , SB 2687 , SB 2688 , SB 2689 , SB 2690 , SB 2691 , SB 2692 , SB 2693 , SB 2694 , SB 2695 , SB 2696 , SB 2697 , SB 2698 , SB 2699 , SB 2700 , SB 2701 , SB 2702 , SB 2703 , SB 2704 , SB 2705 , SB 2706 , SB 2707 , SB 2708 , SB 2709 , SB 2710 , SB 2711 , SB 2712 , SB 2713 , SB 2714 , SB 2715 , SB 2716 , SB 2717 , SB 2718 , SB 2719 , SB 2720 , SB 2721 , SB 2723 , SB 2724 , SB 2725 , SB 2726 , SB 2727 , SB 2728 , SB 2729 , SB 2730 , SB 2731 , SB 2732 , SB 2733 , SB 2734 , SB 2735 , SB 2736 , SB 2737 , SB 2738 , SB 2739 , SB 2740 , SB 2741 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2744 , SB 2745 , SB 2746 , SB 2747 , SB 2748 , SB 2749 , SB 2750 , SB 2751 , SB 2752 , SB 2753 , SB 2754 , SB 2755 , SB 2756 , SB 2757 , SB 2758 , SB 2759 , SB 2760 , SB 2761 , SB 2762 , SB 2763 , SB 2764 , SB 2765 , SB 2766 , SB 2767 , SB 2768 , SB 2769 , SB 2770 , SB 2771 , SB 2772 , SB 2773 , SB 2774 , SB 2775 , SB 2776 , SB 2777 , SB 2778 , SB 2779 , SB 2780 , SB 2781 , SB 2782 , SB 2783 , SB 2784 , SB 2785 , SB 2786 , SB 2787 , SB 2788 , SB 2789 , SB 2790 , SB 2791 , SB 2792 , SB 2793 , SB 2794 , SB 2795 , SB 2796 , SB 2797 , SB 2798 , SB 2799 , SB 2800 , SB 2967 , SB 3034 , HJR 1 , HJR 4 , HB 9 , HB 13 , HB 22 , HB 135 , HB 143 , HB 195 , HB 908 , HB 1392 , SB 861 , SB 1013

Transcript Highlights:

• health care, provide security grants for Pride events, and would restore the LGBTQ+ 988 crisis support dial-three

Transcript Highlights:

• I was like, and I really had to hang up, go through the whole process again because I thought I dialed

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Our CIP, for example, is flexible, enabling us to dial back projects if there are challenges and restart

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held an informational hearing with invited testimony from MassDOT leadership, the MBTA, Massport, and the state’s Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. MassDOT officials outlined work across highways, rail and transit, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and aeronautics, emphasizing major capital spending, bridge and roadway programs, transit grants, rail expansion, airport safety, and modernization efforts. They highlighted Chapter 90 and municipal grant programs, the Compass Rail and West-East Rail efforts, RMV upgrades such as electronic titles and driver licensing systems, and aeronautics work on airport pavement, drones, and advanced air mobility. Committee members focused on safety, service access, and project implementation. Questions to MassDOT covered automated enforcement and rising roadway fatalities, the Allston multimodal project’s federal funding, Complete Streets access for rural communities, and South Coast Rail staffing and future electrification. The RMV was asked about the Work and Family Mobility Act, Real ID demand, and appointment access, especially in Metro West. Members also raised concerns about South Coast Rail operations, Keolis staffing, and whether the Stoughton route remains part of future plans; MassDOT and MBTA officials said they are working on staffing, service reliability, and long-term expansion, while noting that nothing is off the table for future rail improvements. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng reported progress including workforce growth, elimination of subway speed restrictions, expanded reduced-fare access, bus network redesign, South Coast Rail launch, and commuter rail signal upgrades. He said the agency is pursuing a new commuter rail operating contract designed to support future regional rail, electrification, and higher-frequency service, while maintaining service and workforce stability amid funding uncertainty. Members also asked about fare collection data privacy and the impact of state funding levels; Eng said the MBTA needs the governor’s proposed funding to preserve service and staffing, and that the fare system’s data are encrypted and handled through a secure vendor system. Massport CEO Rich Davey reported record activity at Logan, Worcester, and the cruise and maritime facilities, along with major capital and climate investments such as sustainable aviation fuel planning, shore power at Flynn Cruiseport, renewable diesel, and expanded ground transportation. He said Massport is planning for continued passenger growth and managing congestion through parking, HOV, and curbside changes, while monitoring federal policy, tariffs, and air traffic control staffing issues. Federal Funds Director Quentin Palfrey described the administration’s efforts to secure federal infrastructure dollars, citing about $9 billion in federal awards since the start of the administration, including major transportation grants for the Cape Cod Bridges, Allston, West-East Rail, North Station drawbridge replacement, roadway safety, and clean school buses. He warned that changing federal policies, grant delays, and possible future congressional actions create uncertainty, but said the office is working case-by-case with municipalities and agencies to protect awarded funds and find alternative financing where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, one thing I'll say: back when I was growing up, we had AOL dial-up. That was $9.99.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs. Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember, dial responsibly. Call in, but not while driving.

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember, dial responsibly. Call in, not while driving.

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support. The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events. LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think, you know, as shown, we have made some, we turned the dial on overdoses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't imagine dialing 911 and being told, so sorry, we don't have an ambulance service in your area

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 56th day by roll call vote, 131-2. The Speaker also signed several enrolled measures, including HB 1768, HB 1866, HB 1870, HB 2180, and HJR 173 and 174, suspending business for those signings. Members then offered multiple points of personal privilege and introduced numerous student groups, family members, interns, and former Representative Richard Brown as special guests. The main floor business focused on budget conference motions for HB 2002 through HB 2013. The budget chair moved to refuse Senate substitutes and send the bills to conference, and the House approved each motion. In discussion, members highlighted major budget differences, including child care subsidies, transportation funding, higher education funding, and the movement of about $1.76 billion in broadband-related funds into HB 2017, which was noted as affecting how the operating budget totals appear. The House also received Senate messages on several budget bills and other measures, including HB 2002-2013, HB 2637, and HB 3155. The House then took up SB 975, an ambulance district and emergency medical services bill. A House substitute was adopted, along with Amendment 1 adding a compromise community paramedic provision and a minor first-responder mental health change. Members described the bill as helping struggling ambulance districts, improving emergency response, and allowing community paramedics to provide in-home services to reduce unnecessary ER use. The bill passed 136-7. Later, the House considered the combined property tax reform bill on SB 1066 and 1086, adopting three amendments addressing technical cleanup, uniform levy increases and timing of voter-approved tax increases, and assessor training, electronic notices, and changes to payment-under-protest procedures. Supporters said the bill improved transparency and reform; opponents warned it could reduce local control and strain funding for schools, libraries, and other local services. The bill ultimately passed 83-61. The House adjourned until 4 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• renewal notices out, especially in this first five-year tranche, should be a simple matter of moving the dial

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several transportation, climate, and vehicle-related bills. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon proposed modernizing SB 375 regional planning by moving plans from a four-year to an eight-year cycle, clarifying agency roles, aligning funding programs with regional climate plans, and reducing duplicative process costs. Supporters from MPOs and environmental groups said it would improve efficiency and implementation; opponents warned it could weaken climate accountability, expand vehicle miles traveled concerns, and reduce public participation. SB 1315, also by Senator Cabaldon, would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner to build data for future policy; it drew no opposition. SB 1275 by Senator McNerney would replace the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a higher vehicle license fee to preserve a federal tax deduction and reduce money sent to Washington, with LAO providing technical testimony on the tax structure. The committee also heard SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado, which would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. Supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural economic development; there was no opposition. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road diesel vehicles, with supporters saying it would save time and costs and opponents asking for CARB analysis before taking a position. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would streamline environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review, while preserving other environmental laws; it received broad support and no opposition. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog exemption for certain collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic car and lowrider supporters backed it, while air quality groups opposed it as likely to increase emissions and weaken smog-check accountability. After testimony, the committee took up motions and later completed roll calls once a quorum was established. SB 1213 was placed on the consent calendar and approved. SB 1087, SB 1315, SB 1275, SB 1287, SB 1423, SB 1064, SB 1375, and SB 1392 were all reported out of committee, generally to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with SB 1392 receiving the closest vote and some opposition from members. The committee also briefly discussed another bill on active transportation funding tied to SB 79 areas, and that measure was approved after amendments and a roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• notices out, especially in this first five-year tranche, should be the simple matter of moving the dial

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation planning, emissions, freight, and vehicle regulation. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by moving regional plan updates from every four years to every eight years, clarifying roles for CARB and the California Transportation Commission, and better aligning funding and guidelines. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, MPOs, local governments, and some environmental groups, said the bill would reduce duplicative planning costs and improve implementation. Opponents, including Coalition for Clean Air and the California Building Industry Association, warned it could weaken climate accountability, expand VMT-related burdens, and create housing and CEQA concerns. The bill passed 9-1 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1315, which would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner so the state can build data for future policy. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed 12-0. SB 1275 by Senator McNerney would replace the general fund portion of the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a one-time vehicle license fee so buyers could potentially claim a federal tax deduction; the LAO testified as a technical witness, and the bill passed 9-1. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure; supporters said it would improve safety, freight efficiency, and emissions, and it passed 12-0. The committee also approved SB 1423 by Senator Stern, which would streamline review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive environmental review; it passed 8-1. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road vehicles, and passed 12-0 after supporters said it would reduce unnecessary trips and costs while opponents awaited CARB analysis. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would similarly reduce duplicative environmental review for qualifying major transit and rail projects, and passed 12-0. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for certain historic collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and charitable events; classic car and lowrider advocates supported it, while air quality groups opposed it as increasing emissions. It passed 10-2. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, including SB 1213, by a 12-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• notices out, especially in this first five-year tranche, should be the simple matter of moving the dial

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on transportation planning, freight, emissions, and vehicle regulations. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon would modernize SB 375 by extending regional plan cycles from four to eight years, improving coordination with CARB and other state agencies, and aligning funding and guidelines more closely with climate and mobility goals. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, other MPOs, cities, and environmental groups, said the current process is costly and inefficient; opponents from clean air and housing groups warned it could weaken accountability for climate targets and shift focus away from vehicle miles traveled reductions. The committee also heard SB 1315, which would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner so the state can better track safety and policy impacts; there was no opposition testimony. The committee also considered SB 1275 by Senator McNerney, a tax proposal to replace the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden. A Legislative Analyst’s Office witness explained the tax-policy mechanics and estimated savings, and the bill drew support from the author and no formal opposition. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a targeted tax credit for short-line railroad infrastructure investment; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, reduce truck traffic and emissions, and help rural and agricultural economies, with no opposition testimony. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road vehicles; supporters called it a practical affordability measure, while clean air advocates said they wanted to see the amended text and CARB analysis before taking a final position. The committee also heard SB 1375 by Senator Cortese, which would limit duplicative environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review; supporters said it would save time and money while preserving other environmental protections, and there was no opposition. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for certain older collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic-car and lowrider supporters said the bill protects automotive heritage and reflects limited actual use, while air-quality groups argued it would increase emissions and weaken smog-check accountability. After testimony and committee discussion, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced all measures, including consent item SB 1213, to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with SB 1392 receiving the most divided vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• notices out, especially in this first five-year tranche, should be the simple matter of moving the dial

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• This program ensures that our customers have access to something fundamental: the ability to dial 911

Summary: The committee heard several energy, telecommunications, and regulatory bills. SB 929 would require the California Energy Commission chair to appear annually and report to the Legislature on the commission’s activities, plans, and outreach; the author said it would improve oversight without raising rates or fees. SB 1138 would let load-serving entities trade hourly resource adequacy obligations to reduce overprocurement and lower ratepayer costs; supporters said it could save hundreds of millions, while questions focused on CPUC concerns, grid reliability, and whether savings would reach customers. SB 913 would expand participation of customer-sited distributed energy resources, such as home batteries and smart thermostats, in the resource adequacy market; supporters said it would unlock existing clean capacity and reduce costs, and members asked about reliability, opt-in participation, compensation, and how to handle partially charged batteries. SB 1197 would move California to permanent standard time, with the author and a sleep medicine witness arguing it would improve health and safety, while opponents from the golf industry raised concerns about economic, recreational, and public safety impacts and whether voter approval would be required. SB 1191 would extend the California High Cost Fund A and B programs for rural telephone service through 2033, with supporters emphasizing affordability and emergency access in rural areas. SB 1265 would codify and expand the Go Green financing program under the Treasurer and CAFA, and SB 1337 would create a working group to coordinate fuel-transition policy and refinery-related issues across state and local agencies. Members generally supported the bills, though several raised implementation and coordination questions. Concerns included whether SB 1197 would require another vote of the people, whether SB 1138 could create unintended market or reliability problems, whether SB 913 could affect local generation needs or depend on customer readiness, and whether SB 1337 would duplicate existing fuel-transition bodies. Authors and witnesses responded that amendments and existing safeguards would address many of those issues, and that the measures were intended to improve efficiency, affordability, and coordination. The committee ultimately voted to advance all seven bills, with each receiving a do pass recommendation, some as amended and some to different policy committees or Appropriations. Final recorded votes were overwhelmingly in favor, with SB 1197 receiving one no vote and SB 1265 receiving one no vote; the other measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously. All bills were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• said the alternatives must provide the same services, whether that is 9-1-1 service or the ability to dial

Committee: Senate State Affairs