Transcript Highlights:

• I’m well versed in this as well.
• Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman and fellow members.
• , as well as the number of stops.
• The person is abandoned; the property won't respond.
• Yeah, we've now gone through the abandonment time.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts. Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context. The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m well versed in this as well.
• I'm doing well. Good. Thank you for having me this morning.
• Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman and fellow members.
• Okay, well, it says appointed by the director—who's the director?
• Yeah, we've now gone through the abandonment time.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I have submitted my well.
• </c> type of funding as well. Thank you. type of funding as well. Thank you.
• </c><02:07:58.880><c> and</c> three uh well, two u baby chickens. and three uh well, two u baby chickens
• </c><03:05:35.359><c> a</c> the the reference to abandoning a the the reference to abandoning a chicken
• ,</c> so that we prohibit quote abandoning, so that we prohibit quote abandoning, dumping,<03:05:50.080

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good afternoon, everyone.
• Well, we'll like to add on. In opposition? You wouldn't like to add on? Great.
• Well, we have a motion and a second. Bring it back to any members of the committee.
• Thank you, Senator, and thank you for accepting the suggested committee amendments as well.
• Well, at this time of year, you're my budget chair, too. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care met without an initial quorum and heard four Senate bills focused on older adults and people with disabilities. SB 837 by Senator Reyes would require Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness education tailored to older adults and people with disabilities. Supporters, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the California Commission on Aging, cited recent wildfire deaths and the need for better evacuation planning and preparedness. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. SB 971 by Senator Choi would create a Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program to encourage voluntary local partnerships, including with community colleges and other entities, to support social connection, technology help, caregiver resources, and other healthy aging activities. Supporters said it would promote independence and prevent isolation at no mandated cost, while one member questioned whether the bill addressed a current legal gap and whether public health departments should be involved. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion and re-referred it to the Committee on Health. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would allow Aging and Disability Resource Connections to continue operating for one to two years during transitions when an area agency on aging or independent living center operator changes, preventing service disruptions. Testimony from Access Central Coast and the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging emphasized the importance of continuity for thousands of clients. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 991 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to classify substantiated abuse in residential care facilities for the elderly by specific abuse type rather than a broad residents’ rights category. Ombudsman advocates argued this would improve transparency and accountability; members also discussed whether similar protections should extend to younger adults in other licensed settings. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a lot of wells that have dropped in elevation Some of the community wells have actually dropped
• to the point that they are actually building new wells.
• Well, Mr. Chair, the Acequias are an institution of the land grant.
• I have a few words to say as well.
• well as wind.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> regard as well. regard as well.
• an abandoned railway officially recognized as abandoned.
• an abandoned railway officially recognized as abandoned.
• well intended.
• So, um, but I think well well intended.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're doing well for our kids.
• How well?
• Well... This is not Senate Bill 31. Okay. Well, that's disturbing. Moving on. Fee shifting.
• Well, that's important.
• Well, that's important.

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, approval of the previous journal, and messages from the House, then moved through several recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups. Members adopted resolutions recognizing the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America, Fine Arts Education Day, Donate Life Texas Day, Baha’i Capitol Day, County Government Day, Jack County Day, Crockett County Day, and a recognition of Navy Petty Officer Simon Urbanik for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chamber also heard remarks from visiting doctors, students, county officials, and community groups, with multiple senators speaking in support of military families, arts education, organ donation, and local government service. The Senate then took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2779, relating to the allocation and use of certain hotel occupancy tax revenues. Senator Birdwell said the bill would stop local governments from conditioning HOT funds on race- or class-based priorities and would require Galveston to transfer the full state rebate for beach cleaning and maintenance to its park board. After questions, the Senate suspended the rules, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed it, though the final vote showed significant opposition. The chamber also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2322, described as a cleanup bill removing the compelling-factor test for dispatchable generation from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. A major debate centered on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2253, which would phase out uncertified teachers in core classrooms and strengthen educator certification requirements. Senator Creighton argued the bill responds to a teacher pipeline crisis, adds parent notification, creates multiple preparation pathways, and provides financial incentives for certification; Senator West and Senator Sparks pressed for rural flexibility and implementation details. An amendment from Senator Gutierrez to add a teacher student-loan repayment program failed on a 11-17 vote, while other technical and fiscal amendments were adopted. The bill then passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2371, updating skimmer-reporting rules to cover electronic terminals beyond fuel pumps, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2351, relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit. Senate Bill 619, a conscience-protection bill for health care workers, drew extended questioning from Senators Cook, Eckhardt, and Menendez about patient abandonment, scope, and whether it could allow refusals of legal services such as vaccines, antibiotics, contraception, or personal care; despite those concerns, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment. Finally, the chamber began consideration of Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1169, which would allow public entities to form public utility agencies to cooperate on water and wastewater projects without eminent domain or cross-collateralization, with Senator Hinojosa explaining it as a tool for small and rural communities facing utility infrastructure problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• . online as well also. online as well also.
• </c> as well. as well.
• Well, that's important.
• It was funded well enough well funded.
• </c> abandoned water right? Thank you. abandoned water right? Thank you.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um as well as um price vendor.
• </c> well as our other drivers. well as our other drivers.
• Well, Mr. Chairman, that answers my second question as well. Thank you.
• </c> Could you say Well, thank you very much. Could you say Well, thank you very much.
• Well, we're not difficult.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 13 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, including a deferred list from the September 2025 agenda. Members questioned several agencies about the purpose, cost, and duration of the items before them, with repeated motions to consider the contracts reviewed without objection passing by roll call. The Office of Energy Policy and Energy and Environment Cabinet presented a solar-and-battery program. Members asked about panel and battery lifespan, warranty coverage, who would pay for replacement or disposal, and whether the program made sense in Kentucky. The agency said panels and batteries generally last 25 to 30 years, warranties would cover replacement during the warranty period, EPA guidance would govern disposal, and federal funds would cover program expenses. Officials estimated the program could reduce participating homeowners’ utility bills by about 70%, with a minimum required savings of 20%. The Department for Community Based Services explained a new vendor contract for SSI initial and redetermination work for children in out-of-home care, saying the work is federally required, the department lacks in-house capacity, and the contract replaced a prior vendor after an RFP protest and rebid. The Department of Highways described umbrella traffic engineering contracts for smaller highway safety projects, noting they are used for spot improvements and are nearing full utilization. The Kentucky Historical Society said its contract funded a temporary exhibit tied to 250th anniversary programming, and the Board of Medical Licensure discussed an amended audit contract, explaining that annual audits were adopted after an auditor’s recommendation and that the board is funded by state allocation plus fees and fines. The Department for Natural Resources/Abandoned Mine Lands gave the most extensive presentation, describing a $5 million engineering services contract as part of a much larger workload increase driven by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, with projects prioritized by citizen complaints and safety impacts; the agency said the contract supports design and oversight for community-scale mine reclamation projects that exceed in-house capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw families being abandoned, whose children need critical nursing home care at home.
• :04:55.800><c> saw</c><00:04:56.400><c> families</c><00:04:56.919><c> being</c><00:04:57.160><c> abandoned
• ,</c><00:04:58.400><c> whose</c> We saw families being abandoned, whose We saw families being abandoned

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It just all kind of the same abandon. >> That's good. >> You're third, but you're going to be second
• . the<00:09:57.360><c> same</c><00:09:58.720><c> abandon.
• </c> the same abandon. the same abandon. &gt;&gt; That's<00:09:59.920><c> good.

Bills: HB610, HB620, HB582, HB610, HB620, HB582

Keywords: state bank, public bank, government funds, financial services, constitutional amendment, tax abatements, international headquarters, publicly traded companies, economic incentives, Alabama tax reform, social-emotional learning, education policy, parental consent, K-12 education, teacher training, student surveys, disciplinary action, automatic renewal, consumer protection, cancellation policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, so require agencies after rule review has occurred to take action, which may be either making no
• That would be something they would attend to as well. Any other questions?
• The dog had been abandoned by his owner in rising flood waters.
• You know, Senator Burgess is to kind of his services is obviously greatly appreciated as well.
• But but you know what will well, except that when we're not on duty. But I do want to tell.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hour, I will be quick. and there's some written, written, uh, testimony regarding House Bill. 4336 as well
• So this is a situation where a newborn is being abandoned instead of having to, the mother having to
• Lynn, her mother, who was also unfortunately killed as well.
• Well, We Because we can't vote on He's I don't. Um.
• There is a fairly well established line in the property codes.

Bills: HB 660, HB 4845, HB 3902, HB 5396, HB 4615, HB 1825, HB 1403, HB 4336, HB 4585, HB 4371, HB 863, SB 1589, HB 5223, HB 3195, HB 2734

Keywords: child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, employee goals, call processing, child care, human resources, government accountability, Medicaid, provider enrollment, revalidation

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, those four things, right at 40% of our, of our, Things?
• Fiscally, our budget is as well reflective of that.
• We also have money in there for other springs restoration projects and our artesian well abandonment
• program, where we offer those artesian wells that are free-flowing wells due to pressure within the aquifer
• Well, you know, like Mr.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from five water management districts for fiscal year 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the core statutory missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year, largely because large projects were completed or because grant and appropriation funding is not yet fully included until awarded. Testimony focused on major district priorities such as springs protection, alternative water supply, flood control infrastructure, land management, agricultural cost-share programs, and water quality restoration. Examples highlighted included Northwest Florida’s springs and watershed work, Suwannee River’s agricultural and springs-related projects and the Water First North Florida recharge effort, St. Johns River’s Taylor Creek Reservoir, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Indian River Lagoon restoration projects, Southwest Florida’s large alternative water supply program and aging water control structures, and South Florida’s Everglades restoration, reservoirs, and flood control system. Members repeatedly asked how districts choose projects, how they forecast maintenance costs, and what share of staff and budgets are devoted to core missions. Several districts said project selection is a mix of staff analysis, governing board direction, stakeholder input, and state or federal priorities. They also explained that they use cost estimation tools, market monitoring, strategic or basin planning, and periodic reevaluation of capital plans to keep projections current. A few districts requested additional funding or positions, including Northwest Florida’s request for more regulatory services funding and Suwannee River’s request for one additional FTE tied to permit review under a new rule. No votes on the district budgets were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, well, make sure you introduce yourself for the record, please.
• And they'd say, well, I don't want you to shoot anybody.
• </c><00:08:44.399><c> thank</c> to finally have that option well thank to finally have that option well
• The committee substitute is adopted. sub Bob Wells made a motion second sub Bob Wells made a motion second
• National Guard representative to have a representative there as well.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard several measures focused on public safety and emergency preparedness. Senate Bill 266, sponsored by Vice Chair Aaron Reed, would allow Kentucky State Police troopers to engage in secondary employment under a policy set by the commissioner. Reed argued the change would improve morale, recruitment, retention, and compensation opportunities. Senators Boswell, Nunn, and Higden asked about when the extra work would occur and whether the commissioner had been consulted; Reed said the policy would be left to KSP leadership and cited examples such as convention centers and events like the Derby. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to the floor. The committee then adopted a committee substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 67, which creates a task force to study disaster preparedness, mitigation, and related issues such as flooding, wind events, insurance, communications, and coordination among state and local agencies. The sponsor described recent severe weather and flooding across Kentucky and said the resolution was intended to help the state identify risks and best practices, save money, and save lives. Senators discussed whether the National Guard should be included, and the sponsor said they would not object to adding a representative. The resolution passed unanimously. House Bill 234, presented by Representative Wade Williams with the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, would add airport police departments to the list of agencies eligible for grants funded through confiscated or abandoned firearms sold through the Kentucky State Police auction process. Williams said the grants support life-saving equipment such as tasers and bulletproof vests and that airport police had been inadvertently left off the eligibility list. Senators asked whether the change would reduce funding for other departments, and Williams said he did not expect a detrimental effect. The bill passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with an invitation to legislators to attend a National Guard briefing and aerial flight event, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• WELL, WE HAVE A LOT ON THE AGENDA TODAY. I SAY THAT, FOUR BILLS BUT A LOT OF CONVERSATION I'M SURE.
• SO WE'RE GOING TO START TODAY, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP TAB 1, CS FOR SP 150 ON ABANDONING RESTRAINED ANIMALS
• THE GOOD NEWS IS THIS DOG WAS RESCUED, GET MEDICAL ATTENTION, IS LOT ALIVE AND WELL AND HAS A LOVING
• THE BAD NEWS IS THERE'S NOT ALWAYS A HIGHWAY PATROLMAN AROUND AND THE MORE ANIMALS TIED UP AND ABANDONED
• WELL, FLORIDA DOESN'T HAVE A DANGEROUS, AND EFFECTIVE DANGEROUS DOG LAW.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that there are some wells that I've saw in my research, I saw some wells that basically are on the
• Well, you know, we did contracts. Well, you know, you know, you know, you. Well, this is different.
• Well, local shares should have been in. As well, but here we are.
• abandoned?
• these old wells.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in a system with more choice, we can use tools like reinsurance to lower costs as well. coverage.
• </c><00:31:54.320><c> as</c><00:31:54.559><c> opportunities</c> communities, as well as opportunities
• communities, as well as opportunities for<00:31:55.360><c> offenders</c><00:31:55.919><c> to</c><00:
• We can also improve systems that aren't working well and expand on those that are.
• I was there as well when we Cummings.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was road management and abandonment plans.
• Well, thank you so much, sir.
• They review FPAs in field verification as well.
• that consensus didn't work well on the NP rule.
• I guess that, you know, it—well, it did to a point. Well, it did to a point.

Summary: The committee held a work session on the history, implementation, and current challenges of Washington’s Forest and Fish law and related Habitat Conservation Plan. Testimony from tribal representatives Jim Peters and David Herrera, former Rep. Jim Buck, and mediator Tim Thompson described the original timber, fish, and wildlife negotiations as a broad, collaborative effort intended to balance salmon and habitat protection with a viable timber industry. DNR’s Sabur Jawad outlined the program’s statutory framework, the roles of DNR, Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, tribes, local governments, landowners, and the Forest Practices Board, and explained that changes to aquatic-resource rules can come through adaptive management, legislative direction, or court orders. He also described the permitting and enforcement system, the programmatic HCP, road maintenance and abandonment work, and the adaptive management process, including the long-running NP stream-buffer studies and resulting rulemaking timeline. Agency and stakeholder testimony emphasized accomplishments such as decades of HCP coverage, annual compliance monitoring, road and fish-barrier improvements, small forest landowner assistance programs, and the completion of numerous adaptive management studies. DNR’s Katie Allen said the program has strong successes but also faces resource-intensive implementation, rising costs, and watershed-wide pressures beyond forestry, and she pointed to a State Auditor review that produced 13 recommendations now being addressed through an action plan and a structured decision-making model. Washington Farm Forestry Association executive director Elaine O’Neill said small forest landowners supported the agreement expecting assistance and flexibility, but argued the balance has shifted toward more protection and less practical consideration of rural vitality and property rights. Washington Forest Protection Association executive director Jason Spadero said the agreement has produced measurable environmental gains and regulatory predictability, but criticized the recent NP rule and urged continued science-based, economically balanced management. In the final discussion, tribal representatives said the collaborative, consensus-based process still works in some areas, but that the principals need to be re-engaged more directly and periodically to restore accountability and trust. They said the adaptive management process and funding remain important, but expressed concern that consensus has broken down in some recent rulemaking and that side negotiations or outside pressure can undermine the original agreement. Members asked how to restore the collaborative model; Peters suggested renewed commitment from the principal parties and more regular high-level meetings, while Herrera echoed the need to implement the auditor’s recommendations. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good to see you. Well, good to see you.
• Well, you know... ...accomplish.
• Well, I mean, you... the variety is the best. Well, I mean, you know, they'll come brown or white.
• Well, you know, it's amazing.
• well.

Bills: SJR 1, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 36, SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, SB 40, SR 61, SR 91, SR 97, SR 103, SR 104, SR 112, SR 115, SR 116, SCR 16, SB 26, SB 26

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, Texas Music Advocacy Day, music industry