Transcript Highlights:

• So about 20% of our budget comes from the general fund.
• Madam Chair and Representative, yes, that is generally correct.
• I know younger generations are looking at this.
• Improvements in the general supply chain, such as cold chain.
• New Mexico, in general, has limited finishing capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• The administration is withdrawing that request to generate a budget solution.
• This budget request is not going to be coming from the general fund or the unemployment.
• No, and as it relates to this tax increase in general.
• Generally, it's just good public policy to select vendors using a competitive bid process.
• I'll cover the BCP on the generation and handling fee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fund savings, given some of the general fund uncertainties over the next few years.
• We can have it down to the project, the beneficiaries. and the recent general fund surpluses.
• I’m looking to Phil to see if there’s anything further that I didn’t cover, generally.
• So this challenge that we're all in the midst of collectively is a generational one.
• The chart that was put out by Finance shows general fund and then other fund reversions.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on water and coastal resilience heard an overview of the governor’s Proposition 4 spending plan, with presentations from the Department of Finance, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and later coastal agencies. Members discussed the water chapter’s major allocations for drinking water and wastewater, recycled water, tribal water infrastructure, groundwater recharge and SGMA implementation, dam safety, flood protection, integrated regional water management, Salton Sea projects, and water data/stream gauges. The LAO noted that many programs are established and have clear funding processes, but some newer or less-defined programs may warrant more detailed future budget requests and reporting. No votes were taken on the agenda items. Members raised concerns about groundwater subsidence, water deliveries from the Delta, the pace of water storage investments, instream flows, and whether bond dollars were being used to backfill General Fund reductions. Administration witnesses said groundwater recharge spending is being paced because prior years already funded substantial SGMA work, that Delta operations are governed by water quality, salinity, and species requirements, and that Proposition 1 storage projects have moved slowly because they are locally led and require permitting and financing. The Water Board and DWR said they use public needs assessments, annual plans, and existing grant processes to prioritize projects, and Finance said some General Fund programs were shifted to Proposition 4 to help balance the budget. Members also asked for clearer public tracking of bond spending and more concise future reporting. In the coastal resilience portion, the Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Conservancy described Proposition 4 funding for sea level rise adaptation, coastal flood management, habitat restoration, public access, and San Francisco Bay projects, with a multi-year rollout based on project readiness and recent large state investments. The Conservancy said it would use its existing rolling grant process, while OPC said its sea level rise grants would build on existing programs and new technical assistance. The Department of Fish and Wildlife explained its proposed use of bond funds for climate-ready fisheries, hatchery modernization, salmon monitoring, whale- and turtle-safe fishing gear, and a specific hatchery operations request tied to the Friant settlement. The LAO said the coastal chapter’s proposed first-year spending is relatively modest but generally reasonable given staffing and project readiness, while members emphasized oversight, transparency, and coordination across agencies and jurisdictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• forfeiture special fund to the general forfeiture special fund to the general fund<00:15:46.480>
• forfeiture assets going into the general forfeiture assets going into the general fund<00:15:49.920
• First on Zoom, Deputy Attorney General Brenton Inouye?
• I heard the Attorney General make a comment about part of this bill.
• I heard the Attorney General make a comment about part of this bill.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 540, which would make the most recent state building codes supersede county codes beginning in 2028 and limit county changes without State Building Code Council approval. Grassroot Institute testified in support, while IBEW Local 1260 strongly opposed the bill as written, warning it could let counties weaken state minimum standards and create problems for fire code and sprinkler requirements. Members discussed the need for consistency in building codes and the impact of the State Building Code Council’s status, and the chair said the measure would be deferred indefinitely. The committee also heard SB 626 on disaster preparedness, which would prohibit planting large trees along evacuation routes and require HEMA to identify and remove obstructive trees. Testimony included comments from DLNR, HEMA, and others, with HEMA opposing the measure. The chair said more coordination was needed between DLNR and HEMA and deferred the bill. SB 692, regulating retail and wholesale spray paint sales and assigning jurisdiction to the Department of Law Enforcement, drew opposition from the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, which said the bill would impose costly storage and reporting burdens on small retailers and raise identity-theft concerns. The committee deferred that measure as well. In a separate decision-making segment, the committee considered SB 9 on fireworks and recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed or removed several sections, increased certain penalties from $500 to $1,000, adjusted forfeiture allocations, accepted an Attorney General amendment, added an appropriation for community safety education programs, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted by a vote of 2-1. Later, in a joint hearing, SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit drew support from DOT but opposition from the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association, which asked that the bill be held. SB 41, establishing Hawaiʻi Disaster Drill Day on August 8, received support from HEMA and a public testifier. SB 1570, addressing Molokaʻi air service disruptions and a possible runway expansion, drew strong public support from Molokaʻi residents and service providers, while the Attorney General raised separation-of-powers concerns about the emergency declaration language and DOT noted the high cost and feasibility issues of runway expansion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rees Lutz, nominated for Major General; Colonel Jonathan Lloyd, nominated for Brigadier General; Colonel
• Randy Lutz, nominated for Brigadier General; Colonel David Maruse, nominated for Brigadier General;
• and Colonel Andrew O'Connor, nominated for Brigadier General.
• Rees Lutz, nominated for Major General; Colonel Jonathan Lloyd, nominated for Brigadier General; Colonel
• Randy Lutz, nominated for Brigadier General; Colonel David Maruse, nominated for Brigadier General;

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received gubernatorial communications and a long list of newly referred Senate and House bills and resolutions. The chamber approved the April 22, 2026 journal by a 49-0 vote. Senators also introduced guests, including a high school senior advisory council visiting with Senator Malone and a young guest welcomed by Senator Costa. On the floor, several bills were taken up and either set aside or advanced. Senate Bill 1377 and Senate Bill 482 were re-referred to Appropriations, Senate Bill 906 was re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations, and Senate Bills 1133, 1334, and 1368 were also sent to Appropriations. Senator Dush requested a conflict-of-interest ruling on an amendment to Senate Bill 469; the chair ruled no conflict existed and required him to vote, and the amendment was adopted. The Senate also took Senate Bill 127 from the table and placed it on the calendar. The Senate then considered Supplemental Calendar Number One. Senate Bill 362 received a technical amendment and was advanced; Senate Bill 1183 passed 50-0; Senate Bill 1352, which would allow qualifying substance use disorder treatment providers to receive two-year licenses, passed 45-5 after supportive remarks from Senators Brooks, Tartaglione, and Street; and House Bill 1877, codifying the Pennsylvania seal of biliteracy, passed 50-0 after Senator Lindsey Williams described its student-led origins. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and Senator Tartaglione’s petition urging a floor vote on the House-passed minimum wage bill, House Bill 2189.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will review Article 8, Regulatory Agencies, and Article 9, General Provisions.
• Item 3: Data center services recommendations include an additional $0.4 million in general revenue.
• revenue fund, and 24% or $819,000 from the general revenue dedicated water resource fund.
• On page 3, this just highlights that recommendations maintain $320,000 in general revenue funding.
• Generally, in other states, staff pay is based on the executive director's pay.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:56.240> fund city and here's my question general fund city and here's my question general
• The impetus of the general fund budget.
• I'm wondering, is the general fund one thing, the general fund budget one thing, and then general fund
• I'm wondering, is the general fund one thing, the general fund budget one thing, and then general fund
• Attorney General to the General Assembly Attorney General to the General Assembly regarding<01:39

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to generally speaking know.
• Al, that's not the only category of revenue that they generate. Oh, okay.
• category of Revenue that they generate category of Revenue that they generate oh<00:06:55.800>
• judicial council is facing in general judicial council is facing in general any<00:42:57.280>
• The actuaries will have detailed numbers, but generally that's kind of how it works.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2502E by Senator Hooper, a bill to be entitled an act implementing the 2026-2027 General
• Since the House is hosting, we need to wait to receive House bills before we can take up the General
• Since the House is hosting, we need to wait to receive House bills before we can take up the General
• Members before you is Senate Bill 2500E, the general appropriations bill.
• House Bill 503E, a bill to be entitled an act implementing the 2026-27 General Appropriations Act.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to the budget, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, DMS, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities financing, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for moving Senate and House budget conforming bills into conference posture, noting that conference meetings would be on one-hour notice. The Senate then took up and passed a series of Senate conforming bills and House companion bills, generally by unanimous 32-0 votes, with delete-all amendments used to place Senate language onto House bills or to clear bills for conference. Measures addressed fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, judges, pre-K through 12 education, retirement, higher education, health care, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, state employees/collective bargaining, and the implementing bill for the 2026-27 budget. Senators repeatedly moved that, when the House version was not passed as received, the Senate request conference or accede to the House’s request for conference. The General Appropriations Bill was handled by substituting House Bill 5001E for Senate Bill 2500E, amending it with Senate substance, and passing it 32-0 before requesting conference. House Bill 7031E on taxation was also amended and debated; Senator Berman used the debate to urge consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax for summer relief, but the bill ultimately passed and the Senate requested conference after failing to pass the House version as received. The session ended with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, followed by adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Represent More now moves that Senate Bill 1530 be advanced from general order without objection.
• Representing Moore, now moves that Senate Bill 1847 be advanced from general order.
• Representative Kane now moves the Senate Bill 1377 be advanced from general order.
• Representative Kane now moves that Senate Bill 1990 be advanced from general order.
• Representative K moves that Senate Bill 1991 be advanced from general order.

Bills: SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the changes is a target change in the general fund, and then one is the health care access fund
• [Laughter] Very generous. High praise. Further discussion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• the front, uh, first Chair Beerman will move House File 2435 be recommended for placement on the general
• the front, uh, first Chair Beerman will move House File 2435 be recommended for placement on the general
• recommended for placement on the general recommended for placement on the general register<00:16

Bills: HF2436, HF2435

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is the adoption of the committee reports on the bills on the general recent calendar.
• on the general secretary bills consent<01:28:06.800> calendar.
• General orders. Second reading of the bill. Senator Hendrickson. Thank you, Mr. President.
• For many of us here in generations.
• accessible for generations that will follow<01:44:19.440> us.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Short, so let's speak in more general.
• So generally, the general public will express concerns about air quality.
• It's a fifth-generation ranch.
• I serve as general manager of the Texana Groundwater Conservation District, as well as the general, general
• Uh, I'm the general manager of Walnut Creek SUD.

Bills: HB 1520, HB 1525, HB 1530, HB 1535, HB 2068, HB 2091, HB 2347, HB 2372, HB 2805, HB 2815, HB 2867, HB 3154, HB 3482, HB 3483, HB 3663, HB 3781, HB 3901, HB 3915, HB 4135, HB 4153, HB 4158, HB 4329, HB 4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:40.079> fund 11.5 million in one-time general fund 11.5 million in one-time general
• <00:20:05.600> fund which would address both general fund which would address both general
• <00:37:49.359> fund budget as opposed to the general fund budget as opposed to the general
• been filled by transfers from the Treasury's general fund.
• People who know that what they build today will stand for generations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it will generate competition, it will generate credible ideas, and it'll generate a broader market of
• I think there's a couple primary proposals in general.
• I will say that electronic or software malfunctions are not serviceable, generally.
• So we have general discussion, unless you have a question. Okay, general discussion. Colonel?
• In general, well, we have not reviewed. And again, that is in a zero-trust environment.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met for its fourth hearing on emerging firearm technology, focused on personalized firearms and related privacy issues. Co-chairs noted the commission’s charge to study personalized firearm incentives, risks from digital manufacturing codes and AI, and the costs of requiring personalized firearm and microstamp technologies, and said the report deadline is being extended to July 31. They also announced the next public hearing for April 17 at 11:00 a.m., limited to Massachusetts residents. The first witness, Kai Kloepfer of Biofire, described the company’s personalized 9mm smart gun and argued it is designed to prevent unauthorized use through biometric authentication, local encrypted data storage, no wireless connectivity, and automatic disarming when released. He said Biofire opposes any mandate requiring personalized firearms, calling such mandates a de facto gun ban that would stifle innovation, limit consumer choice, and burden a still-developing market. He said the company has a patent portfolio, has received thousands of pre-orders, is shipping in all 50 states, and is approved for sale in Massachusetts; he also said the gun costs about $1,500, is currently sold online, and is intended mainly for home defense. Members questioned him about sales, manufacturing, battery life, repairability, transfer of ownership, possible expansion to other firearms, and whether microstamping could be incorporated. A Massachusetts firearms roster official, Michaela Dunn, explained the state’s testing and approval process for handguns and confirmed that the Biofire firearm is now on the Massachusetts roster and commercially available for retail sale in the state. Kate Crockford of the ACLU of Massachusetts testified only on facial recognition, warning that commercially available systems show significant demographic bias and that Massachusetts lacks comprehensive biometric privacy protections. She urged passage of pending data privacy and biometric privacy bills, including the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and related measures, before any broader use of biometric verification in firearm laws. Commissioners discussed privacy concerns, and Biofire said its system is zero-knowledge and would likely comply with stronger biometric privacy laws. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported beyond the scheduling announcement and the extension effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reverend now moves that House Bill 3414 be advanced from general order without objection.
• Strom now moves that House Bill 3415 be advanced for general order without objection.
• Strom now moves that House Bill 3416 be advanced from general order without objection.
• Representative Straw now moves that House Bill 3470 be advanced for general order.
• Chad now moves at House Bill 3706 be advanced from general order.

Bills: HB3329, HR1039, HR1040, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3419, HB3420, HB3706, HB3711, HB4139, HB1268, HB3660, HJR1023, HB3298, HB3056, HJR1084, HB3934, HB3919, HB4118, HB4119, HB3791, HB4260, HB4178, HB4215, HB4324, HB3270, HB4352, HB4305, HB2955, HB3315, HB3066, HB1245, HB4125, HB3075, HB3129, HB3239, HB4153, HB3265, HB4491, SB680, HB4263, HB4268, HB1675, HB3885, HB2984, HB3697, HB2959, HB3671, HB3852, HB2933, HB3057, HB3802, HB4294, HB4285, HB3708, HB3979, HB3977, HB3986, HB3985, HB3588, HB3742, HB3845, HJR1070, HB3590, HB3595, HB3391, HB3183, HB3764, HB3765, HB1002, HB4434, HJR1086, HB4060, HB3881, HB3500, HB4408, HB3648, HB3127, HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, we have our new General Counsel, Amanda Arriaga.
• Will our general counsel brief the commission on this agenda item?
• Would our Deputy General Counsel brief the Commission on this agenda item?
• Would the general counsel please introduce this item? Yes, sir.
• Our Deputy General Counsel, Ms.

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.

Transcript Highlights:

• These cameras are generally fixed at designated intersections.
• In general revenue to advance certain high-priority projects.
• General revenue surplus to help move forward a $7 billion initiative.
• So my question was, what's a general timeline for any of your projects? Thank you, Senator.
• Whether it's the county, cities, or regions in general, how has that been?

Summary: The Committee on Transportation received a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Florida’s camera-based traffic enforcement programs: red light cameras, school bus stop-arm cameras, and school zone speed cameras. The department explained how each program works, the distinction between a civil notice of violation and a uniform traffic citation, and the fee distribution for each type of violation. It also reported preliminary data showing 42 jurisdictions operating red light cameras, with 496 cameras at 302 intersections and 923,133 notices of violation in fiscal year 2024-2025; for the newer school bus and school zone programs, the department said preliminary figures showed five active school bus programs and 40 active school zone programs, with prior-year totals of 61,150 school bus notices and 26,300 school zone notices. Senators asked about camera placement, school zone requirements, review procedures, and whether law enforcement or third parties are involved in reviewing violations. The committee then received an update from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which used $4 billion in general revenue to advance a $7 billion package of 20 major congestion-relief projects. He said the department has used innovative delivery methods, including modified phased design-build, voluntary acceleration, and structured acceleration, to move projects forward faster and control costs. He highlighted progress on projects including I-4 congestion relief lanes, the Golden Glades Interchange, I-95 at US-1, I-75 auxiliary lanes, I-75 at Pine Ridge Road, and I-275 in Tampa, and said 80% of the plan is expected to be underway by the end of 2026, with four projects remaining in 2027. Members asked about temporary traffic patterns at Golden Glades, subcontractor opportunities, public transportation planning, contractor safety and OSHA issues, bridge strikes, logistics hubs near airports and seaports, aggregate and material supply, local government coordination, and federal transportation funding. Secretary Perdue said FDOT continuously reevaluates traffic management plans, works with small businesses and local subs, and monitors contractor safety closely, including corrective action plans after incidents. He emphasized that Florida’s transportation revenues are flat, that the state remains largely state-funded, and that additional resources are the main thing the Legislature can provide to support future infrastructure delivery. The committee adjourned after the chair requested FDOT staff provide senators with district-specific project updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a generation of community engagement.
• Uh, I'm representing myself as a fourth-generation rancher in the South Texas border region and as a
• Ah, our general fund balance, I mean, our, our general fund revenues are at 19 million, Precinct 1, 1.6
• unless they're exempt, is deposited into the general revenue fund.
• During the last biennium fiscal year 2223, 6.08 million was generated from these permit fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 2020 Budget Act, the state provided $200 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund for the
• The proposition authorized a total of $10 billion in state general obligation bonds.
• So the 2025 Budget Act appropriated 300 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund to establish the
• So the Governor's budget proposes a total of $3.4 million General Fund, $537,000 Teacher Credentials
• And then finally, one last thing I'll highlight is that the budget proposes $132,000 ongoing General

Keywords: 987, senate, all