Transcript Highlights:

• IS SEVEN YEARS AGO FLORIDA HAD A WEAK RAINY DAY FUND AND MODEST BUDGET RESERVES AND TODAY WORKING TOGETHER
• WE HAVE MORE THAN TRIPLED OUR WE DAY FUND AND MORE THAN DOUBLED OUR BUDGET RESERVES.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that we have, uh, uh, some witness here, and I reserve the right to close. Thank you.
• Otherwise, I'd reserve my right to close.

Bills: SB 35, SB 249, SB 546, SB 1353, SB 1493, SB 2246, SB 1902, SB 1029

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve your right to close, and we will proceed to testimony.
• Thank you, and we will reserve your right to close. Thank you.

Bills: HB3484, HCR112, HCR125

Keywords: border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to lay out this bill, and I reserve the right to close.
• Reserved chair now calls Quinn.

Bills: HB164

Keywords: HB 164, HB164, Texas Flood Recovery, Reimbursement, and Reconstruction Program, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, Hill Country floods, July 2025 floods, flood recovery, disaster relief, flood reimbursement, reconstruction grants, resiliency standards, floodplain, base flood elevation, FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency, insurance denial, property damage, tenant assistance, rental property

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to take questions and would ask to reserve the right to respond later.
• I welcome your questions and reserve the right to close. Thank you, members. Any questions?

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• And I reserve the right to close; the right to close will be reserved.

Bills: HB164, HB411, HB627, HB 1226, HB1677, HB1865, HB1997, HB2985, HB3462, HB4188, HB4685, HB4840, HB5370, HB5424, HB5466, HB5509, HB5660, HB5673, HB164

Keywords: migrant labor, housing regulations, civil penalties, complaints, occupants' rights, remediation, education, retaliation, housing, rental regulation, municipal authority, local government, leasing, housing regulation, local control, rental properties, leasing laws, landlord, tenant rights, municipal regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• witnesses here that will clarify any points But I'm happy to answer any of y'all's questions, and I reserve
• OK, we'll reserve your right to close. Thank you. OK.

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• During the 2024 season, I don't have the full reserves for the 2024 season, but PBA had...
• Reserves for the 2024 season, PBA had treated through September 1,500 acres, had harvested over 250 acres

Bills: HB55, HB212

Keywords: fishing, licensing, jubilee, Marine life, Alabama, regulations, HB212, aquatic plants, public waters, state waters, waterways, water management, aquatic vegetation, weed removal, vegetation control, lake management, river management, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR

Bills: HB389, HB1166, HB1510, HB1541, HB1605, HB1661, HB1663, HB1678, HB1769, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1840, HB1853, HB1860, HB1891, HB1952, HB1960, HB1969, HB1970, HB1972, HB1976, HB2050, HB2094, HB2104, HB2158, HB2165, HB2171, HB2208, HB2246, HB2271, HB2300, HB2310, HB2315, HB2319, HB2338, HB2339, HB2343, HB2443, HB2498, HB2551, HB2599, HB2606, SB17, SB83, SB99, SB148, SB411, SB709, SB847, SB874, SB888, SB1032, SB1166, SB2001, SB2014, SB2031, SB2041, SB2050, SB2057, SB2061, SB2074, SB2075, SB2089, SB2095, SB2101, SB2102, SB2108, SB2109, SB2110, SB2125, SB2135, SB2138, SB2140, SB2146, SB2151, SB2152, SB2175, SB2203, SB2239, SB2246, SB2247, SB2253, SB2261, SB2268, SB2271, SB2272, SB2320, SB2340, SB2347, SB2353, SB2363, SB2367, SB2372, SB2376, SB2386

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• I have deep reservations about allowing non-law enforcement to use red and blue lights.
• I don't have gray reservations about the red and blue light issue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I have deep reservations about allowing non-law enforcement to use red and blue lights.
• I don't have gray reservations about the red and blue light issue.
• I don't have gray reservations about the red and blue light issue.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is increasing an existing MOF for replacement of fan coils using University reserves.
• For replacement of fan coils using University reserves. Number two is with Arkansas Tech.
• They're using university reserves and gifts. Number five, U of A Fayetteville property purchase.

Summary: The committee met to review a supplemental agenda, procurement rule revisions, methods of finance, discretionary grants, contracts, and a member disclosure. The Office of State Procurement presented rule changes tied to 2025 legislative changes, including Act 782, with updates to sole-source definitions, unrealistic bids, protest requirements, debarment procedures, and recodification references; the committee voted to accept the supplemental agenda and approve the rules. Members also approved eight methods of finance covering university repairs, equipment replacement, property purchase, and capital projects, along with a large slate of discretionary grants for courts, health, DHS, historic preservation, and tobacco prevention programs. The committee then reviewed RFQs and six ratifications. The ratifications included a Workforce Connections payment to ACT WorkKeys, Department of Health costs from an ice-storm-related water leak, a large Department of Public Safety ratification for Motorola’s Arkansas Wireless Information Network upgrade, Veterans Affairs HVAC and medical-service payments, and a UA Little Rock painting contract. The Department of Public Safety ratification drew extended questioning about why the expired Motorola contract had not been renewed sooner and why the issue took months to reach the committee; agency officials said the project was bond-funded, had not been tracked in ASIS, and involved ongoing negotiations and system updates. Despite concerns, the committee approved the ratifications. Members also reviewed a long list of construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including numerous university, DHS, health, corrections, and state agency agreements. Several contracts were discussed in more detail, including an SAU custodial contract question about sales tax and transparency reporting, and Department of Corrections aerial application contracts for Tucker and Cummins farms, which officials said served separate facilities in different parts of the state. The committee approved the contract lists, reviewed reports, and accepted a disclosure from Representative Andrew Collins regarding his investment interest in a company leasing property to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reduction or elimination of the independence of the Federal Reserve is something that most normal
• this is a very, very big risk to the quality of the monetary policy being delivered by the Federal Reserve
• ... ...very big risk to the quality of the monetary policy being delivered by the Federal Reserve, and

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: At the April meeting of the Finance Advisory Committee, staff presented an updated state revenue forecast that was more cautious than January’s because of heightened economic uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and broader national risks. The general fund’s available resources were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in the April forecast, with the lower estimate driven by reduced revenue projections while spending assumptions were unchanged. Staff said the outlook depends heavily on how long the Middle East conflict lasts and noted that a prolonged disruption could weaken the forecast further, while a quick resolution could improve conditions. George Hammond of the University of Arizona gave a broad economic overview, highlighting geopolitical risk, elevated oil and gasoline prices, sticky inflation, weak Arizona job growth, and uncertainty around federal policy, tariffs, immigration, and AI-related investment. He said Arizona’s recent job growth has been very weak and concentrated mainly in health services, while most other sectors lost jobs, and he attributed much of the slowdown to low hiring rather than layoffs. He also discussed population growth, noting that Arizona remains above the national average but is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows, and he warned that housing affordability remains strained even as Phoenix inflation has moderated. Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook but pointed to some offsets. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenues could benefit from tourism tied to spring training and the Final Four, though higher fuel costs could dampen discretionary spending. Other panelists noted that the federal policy environment, tariffs, and immigration changes are likely to restrain growth, while productivity gains, especially from technology and AI, may help businesses maintain output. Several members also discussed housing, saying single-family permits have fallen while rental supply has improved affordability, and they raised concerns about labor-force growth, wage disparities, and the reliability of recent employment data revisions. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have my reservations and my concerns about this bill as well, and one of them is with line 21 through
• The reason why I have reservations about this, and I guess I'd hope you speak to it, is, you know, I've
• The reason why I have reservations about this and I guess I'd hope you speak to it is you know I've had

Summary: The Agricultural Affairs Committee first approved the minutes from March 18, 2026, and then took up Senate Bill 1335 as amended, which would require Idaho veterinary students whose out-of-state tuition is underwritten by the state to return and practice large-animal veterinary medicine in Idaho for four years. The sponsor said the bill is meant to address the state’s shortage of licensed veterinarians and does not create new funding. Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho Cattle Association, and the Idaho Wool Growers Association supported the bill; the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association said it was neutral but supportive of the concept. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1270 as amended, a labeling bill for cell-cultivated animal protein. The sponsor said it is intended to ensure transparency for consumers by requiring clear labeling, restricting use of meat terms such as steak or brisket unless authorized by USDA, and requiring restaurant menu disclosure. Supporters included Idaho Farm Bureau and livestock groups, who said consumers should know what they are buying and that the bill aligns with similar laws in other states. Food Northwest opposed state-by-state labeling requirements, arguing they increase costs and that labeling should be handled nationally. The committee approved the bill and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 781, dealing with county authority to declare rats and related pests as agricultural pests, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clarify existing law and respond to Norway and roof rat problems, but members raised concerns about broad county authority, private property rights, and whether the language could be overbroad or better handled in other parts of code. Several members said the issue may be more appropriate for local governments or another statutory framework. After motions to send the bill to the floor, hold it in committee, and send it to general orders, the committee adopted the motion to send House Bill 781 to general orders. The meeting ended with thanks to the Department of Agriculture director and notice of a brief final meeting to wrap up committee business and recognize the page.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have serious concerns and reservations with passing something like this simply because I do believe
• I have serious concerns and reservations with passing something like this simply because I do believe
• that have serious concerns and reservations with passing something like this simply because I do believe

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from March 4, 6, and 11, 2026, and then heard Senate Bill 1256, a DOGE Task Force code cleanup measure requested by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to remove outdated statutory language about a 1990 report. The committee advanced SB 1256 to the floor with a due pass recommendation without opposition. The committee then took up House Bill 776, which would require the Department of Health and Welfare to rapidly verify and prioritize reports involving newborns and infants under one year old when there is a documented high-risk history, such as prior child abuse convictions, prior termination of parental rights, or prenatal substance exposure. Representative Tanner and multiple supporters framed the bill as a response to the death of “Baby Benji,” arguing it would not automatically remove children but would ensure quicker safety checks and better coordination with CPS, hospitals, and law enforcement. Several witnesses, including a hospital social worker, foster and adoptive parents, a psychologist, a police officer, and the child’s adoptive sibling’s mother, described delayed responses and said the bill could prevent future deaths. Opponents, including several committee members during debate, raised constitutional and due process concerns, arguing the bill could expand government authority, rely on prior history in a way they viewed as problematic, or amount to a reaction to a single tragic case. Supporters responded that the bill only speeds up existing child welfare procedures and does not authorize forced entry or automatic removal. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to send HB 776 to the floor with a do pass recommendation by roll call vote of 12-4-4.

Transcript Highlights:

• streamline the certification process for military personnel and veterans aspiring to become Junior Reserve
• streamline the certification process for military personnel and veterans aspiring to become Junior Reserve
• express our strong support for Senate Bill 175, a legislative initiative aimed at strengthening junior reserve

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill seeks to raise the amount that charities are able to maintain in their reserve account, also
• such as a natural disaster like Hurricane Harvey, is the reason that we need to have sufficient reserves
• It doesn't happen often, but the reserve would be welcome.

Bills: HB46, HB272

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills and took no final votes, leaving each bill pending after testimony. HB 272 would align venue and evidentiary rules for fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information with existing credit card abuse law; the sponsor said it would improve prosecutions, and the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center supported it. HB 1661 would increase penalties for certain election-related offenses, including failure to distribute election supplies and early release of election results; no substantive opposition was heard. HB 551 would protect the residential addresses of people who receive campaign expenditures on public Texas Ethics Commission reports, similar to donor privacy protections, and a witness from Texas Eagle Forum later indicated support for the privacy change. The committee also heard HB 2820, which would raise the amount charitable bingo organizations may keep in operating capital from $50,000 to $100,000. The sponsor and a Texans for Charitable Bingo representative said inflation and operating costs have made the current cap too low and that the bill would help charities maintain stable operations without expanding gaming. HB 3181 would impose stronger consequences for repeated denial of court-ordered child possession and access, including limiting probation and requiring attorney’s fees after multiple contempt findings; a family court judge and a parent testified in support, while another witness argued the bill should be paired with stronger criminal enforcement and that parents already face high costs. HB 4157 would update Texas law for commercial spaceflight by recognizing liability waivers and preserving workers’ compensation rights; no one testified against it. The committee also heard HB 4145, which would let health care providers satisfy a timely billing requirement by sending bills to a patient’s legal representative in a personal injury case, closing what supporters described as a loophole in letter-of-protection situations. Finally, HB 46, relating to the Texas Compassionate Use Program, drew the most extensive discussion: supporters said it should expand access for legitimate medical cannabis patients and add more delivery methods and conditions, while opponents warned against broader marijuana expansion and questioned adding chronic pain and other conditions. The sponsor said he still supports the program and wants a balanced, regulated expansion, but noted the bill is still being worked on. All bills were left pending at the close of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, as you are aware, the death penalty is reserved for those convicted of the most heinous of
• Supreme Court have long recognized that the death penalty is an extreme and extraordinary punishment reserved
• There should be a warm spot in hell reserved for people who do this.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm glad to answer any questions that the committee might have and reserve the right to close respectfully
• And I would respectfully reserve the right to close, sir.
• If you have none, I'd like to reserve my opportunity. Well, yes, sir, certainly.

Bills: HB573, HB1499, HB1768, HB3071, HB3249, HB3866, HB4112

Keywords: environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I'm happy to take any questions and reserve the right to close.
• I reserve the right to close so you don't make any money being a CPA and you don't make any money being
• Be happy to answer any questions and would like to reserve the right to close.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, my grandmother, Martha Mania Chacon, led the way for our Indian reservation to have clean
• drinking water and electricity on our reservation.
• the state of California, as Alice Piper, in 1924, a Paiute Indian woman from the Big Pine Indian Reservation

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then dispensed with the reading of the prior journal and handled routine motions, including re-referring AB 432 and AB 564 to committees. The main item of business was House Resolution 14, proclaiming March 2025 as Women’s History Month. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry opened on the resolution, and members from the LGBTQ, Native American, Asian American Pacific Islander, Black, Latino, Jewish, and other caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing women’s historical contributions, ongoing inequities, and the importance of representation and parity in public life. Assemblymember DeMaio also supported the resolution while urging attention to girls’ sports. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 78 coauthors were added. The chamber then held its annual California Women of the Year ceremony, with Aguiar-Curry and other members recognizing honorees from across Assembly districts for leadership in education, health care, public service, advocacy, business, and community work. The lengthy roll call highlighted a broad range of women’s accomplishments and community impact. Guest introductions followed, including Sacramento District Attorney Tien Ho, VSP Vision Care executives celebrating the company’s 70th anniversary, and EMTs and ambulance support staff being honored by the California Ambulance Association. The Assembly also took up the second-day consent calendar, which was adopted 71-0. Assemblymember Schultz then delivered an adjournment in memory of Barbara Beckley, founding member and artistic director emerita of the Colony Theatre Company, praising her contributions to Los Angeles theater and the arts. The House then adjourned until Thursday, March 13 at 9 a.m., with a Revenue and Taxation Committee hearing scheduled upon adjournment.