Transcript Highlights:

• who voted them into office. who voted them into office.
• So, I'd certainly be willing to work on that offline.
• So, I'd certainly be willing to work on that offline.
• for this, and I appreciate you. take a vote on it.
• Chair. take a vote on it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, the bill will be reported favorably. Congratulations.
• By your vote, your bill is reported favorably. Congratulations.
• One conversation that I've been having offline with Rep.
• One conversation that I've been having offline with Rep.
• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee considered a full agenda of transportation, utility, aviation, and energy bills. HB 4045, amending the Jacksonville Aviation Authority charter, passed without questions or debate. HB 1075, which would require municipal utilities to allow outside property owners to connect when capacity exists and fees are paid, drew testimony from local government and municipal advocates who warned about conflicts with existing agreements, long infrastructure payback periods, and the risk of subsidizing nonresidents; despite concerns from Rep. Smith and others about municipal boundaries and cost, the bill passed, with Smith voting no. HB 519, as amended, authorizes golf cart crossings at signalized intersections on designated golf cart roads; it passed unanimously after lighthearted debate about golf carts and pedestrian crossings. The committee then took up HB 919, which creates a state definition for major commercial service airports and preempts airport naming authority, including renaming Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA, county, and trademark-related conditions. Palm Beach County supported the bill and an amendment clarifying implementation and trademark language, while Rep. Eskamani and others raised concerns about preemption and the timing of honoring a sitting president; the bill passed with several no votes, including Eskamani, Skidmore, and the ranking member. HB 1093, the Advanced Air Mobility and Infrastructure Act, would support eVTOL/vertiport development through tax exemptions, infrastructure funding flexibility, and statewide siting standards while preserving local zoning; supporters framed it as an economic-development and workforce bill, while Rep. Cheney raised taxpayer concerns. An amendment narrowing liability protections for vertiports co-located with public airports was adopted, and the bill passed with Cheney voting no. Finally, HB 1461 established a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, assigning oversight roles to the PSC, DOH, and DEP. Supporters argued the bill would improve energy reliability, affordability, and Florida’s leadership in clean, advanced energy, while an opponent from Deploy US urged strong consumer protections and cautioned against overbroad deregulation. Rep. Eskamani emphasized preserving PSC prudency review for ratepayer protection, and the sponsor said the bill was refined through committee discussion. After an amendment fixing technical issues and clarifying that one section applied to all nuclear, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know how to vote. Anyhow, I just want to say, John, I'm not an.
• But I'll be happy to talk with you more about the capital piece offline. Thank you. Mr.
• I'll talk to PED offline about that problem we were having. So, Mr.
• So, the recurring budget, which you all are voting on today, that's... An agreement on that.
• We are voting on this today. So, I will ask a few questions and not hold off my first question.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item A removes funding for the Federal Help America Vote Act and replaces a portion of those funds with
• On a serious comment, could you get your efficient vote, elections division head back up?
• , but if they do register to vote in another state, it does seem like...
• Register to vote.
• Madam Chair, we could probably come talk to you offline.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• look for all the Departments and I would look for a<00:25:38.880> favorable<00:25:39.399> vote
• we<00:25:39.960> can<00:25:40.120> keep<00:25:40.320> moving a favorable vote
• convention in November mfu members voted convention in November mfu members voted to<00:45:20.280
• and to the um to The should be offline and to the um to The Advocates<01:34:47.920> behind<01
• So apparently there's some portion that is being carved out here, and maybe this could be offline if

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Sencer-Mura also brought another non-voting member to committee.
• And so I hope you can vote for it. We can move it forward when we go to taxes.
• And so I hope you can vote for it. We can move it forward when we go to taxes.
• And so I hope you can vote for it. We can move it forward when we go to taxes.
• know how that conversation goes offline know how that conversation goes offline um<01:18:43.440>

Bills: HF656, HF655, HF633

Keywords: child care, childcare, day care, daycare, licensing, variance, licensed capacity, capacity limit, staff qualifications, staffing, child care center, family child care, provider flexibility, Minnesota career lattice, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, licensing rules, enrollment, indoor space, professional development

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't see any offline.
• Thank you. offline. You could do that. offline. You could do that.
• Clerk<02:03:38.560> votes<02:03:38.880> yes. Clerk votes yes. Clerk votes yes.
• >> Votes.<04:00:53.439> Yes. >> Votes. Yes. >> Votes. Yes.
• >> Votes.<04:13:49.040> Yes. >> Votes. Yes. >> Votes. Yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I did vote against this bill last year.
• I’d be happy to work offline with you on the other stuff, too.
• this committee's vote on abortion, then this committee would not have the votes to advance this bill
• this committee's vote on abortion, then this committee would not have the votes to advance this bill
• this committee's vote on abortion, then this committee would not have the votes to advance this bill

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's more to this bill than what meets the eye, so I'm going to be probably a no vote on this, even
• There's more to this bill than what meets the eye, so I'm going to be probably a no vote on this, even
• We are taking our production, particular animal egg systems, offline.
• We are taking our production, particular animal egg systems, offline.
• We are taking our production, particular animal egg systems, offline.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But before we begin on today's agenda, the Senate Business and Commerce Committee will first vote on
• You talked about the 15 generators, and we can go into this offline, but...
• You talked about the 15 generators, and we can go into this offline, but this is a new company.
• because the frustration with the entire process is that once that appeal is done, effectively it’s offline
• This committee and the entire Senate voted unanimously. Mr.

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first took up several pending and uncontested bills. It favorably reported SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2148, and SB 1968, and also moved SB 2321 to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 819, which would change how the Public Utility Commission reviews proposed utility-scale solar and related interconnection projects. The committee substitute would shift the default so interconnection is allowed unless the PUC affirmatively prohibits it within 180 days, limit denial to cases where harm substantially outweighs benefits, remove public meeting requirements, retain setback and financial assurance provisions, add optional application materials such as national security and environmental information, and restore local control over county tax abatements. The substitute was adopted and SB 819 was favorably reported to the full Senate on a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 231, focused on CenterPoint’s use of large emergency generators after Hurricane Beryl. Senator King explained that the original bill was intended to prevent customers from being charged for non-mobile generators that were leased at great cost and did not match the bill’s emergency-response purpose. CenterPoint’s Jason Ryan apologized for the company’s communication failures and said the company would make customers whole through a combination of rate reductions, foregone storm-cost recovery, and a donation of the 15 large generators to ERCOT for about two years to address a San Antonio-area reliability issue, with the company absorbing the associated costs. PUC Executive Director Connie Corona said the commission could enforce the agreement through its contested-case process. Public testimony included consumer and reliability advocates, one of whom argued utility-scale microgrids should be preserved as a policy option. SB 231 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 986, which would create an alternative process for routine Public Information Act requests so local governments can make initial redactions without sending every routine exception to the Attorney General, while preserving an appeal path and training requirements. Supporters said it would reduce backlog and speed access to records; opponents argued it would shift the burden to requesters and encourage delay. The AG’s office testified that the process could improve efficiency and still fit within current timelines if used promptly. SB 986 was left pending. Finally, SB 584 was briefly laid out to require consumer reporting agencies that buy data from others to ensure the information complies with Texas law on excluded items such as bankruptcies, judgments, and tax liens, and SB 600 was heard on heir property. SB 600’s substitute would strengthen notice, require an attorney ad litem, add an heir’s bill of rights, allow settlement conferences, and require fair-market-value sales protections; supporters said it would curb predatory partition practices, while opponents warned some provisions could burden or diminish minority heirs’ property rights. SB 584 and SB 600 were left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• under HUD and that use what HUD has said, which is actually a larger conversation that we could have offline
• under HUD and that use what HUD has said, which is actually a larger conversation that we could have offline
• under HUD and that use what HUD has said, which is actually a larger conversation that we could have offline
• under HUD and that use what HUD has said, which is actually a larger conversation that we could have offline
• but are—and that use what HUD has said, which is actually a larger conversation that we could have offline

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no other discussion, we'll go ahead and take a vote. We'll take a roll call vote on this.
• The House vote was seven yeas and four nays, and the Senate vote was zero yeas and two nays.
• I see no further light, so we'll go ahead and do a roll call vote. Roll call vote. Roll call vote.
• Seeing none, we'll place the vote.
• Roll call vote. This is for the substitute motion. Roll call vote: Senator Pitcher...

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the law states that you must have a vote of the Commonwealth voters.”
• So I think, in terms of the exact number that's offline, I don't know that I have that.
• Our citizens like to vote.
• We have to print, under the Voting Rights Act, we have to print...
• In doing so, we have voted over 12,000 proxy ballots in alignment with our custom proxy voting guidelines

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness. A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law. Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we need to vote again, or... Do we need to vote again, or everyone? No, no.
• And I guess you can vote no if you don't like it. Well, no, I mean, yeah.
• No, I can certainly vote no if I don't like it.
• “I mean, yeah, no, I can certainly vote no if I don't like it.
• Chairman, Sarah Fernandez, happy to have that conversation offline.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first went into executive session and then returned to approve settlements in three risk management cases based on a motion to accept the Attorney General’s proposed settlement. After that, JLBC staff presented item 1 on the School Facilities Division construction cost index, recommending a 4.8% increase for fiscal year 2027 with retroactive application to December 10, 2025; members asked about why prior years had zero adjustments during the Great Recession, and the committee approved the item. Items 2A and 2B concerned Arizona Department of Education reports. For 2A, staff reviewed ADE’s annual federal monies report, noting fiscal 2026 federal funds of $1.38 billion, up from $1.27 billion the prior year, and the committee gave favorable review. For 2B, staff summarized the annual Career and Technical Education District report, including enrollment, expenditures, retention, and credential completion rates; members questioned the low 37% retention rate and asked for more comparative and explanatory data, but the committee still gave favorable review. Item 3A addressed a DES transfer of $3.3 million from the Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid line item to the state-only case management line item for developmental disability services. DES said both areas faced shortfalls and that the transfer would help immediate cash-flow needs, but members raised concerns about growth in the state-only program, possible migration into Arizona for services, fraud controls, and whether the department had formally notified the Legislature of the deficiency. The committee attached conditions requiring formal deficiency letters, monthly reporting on DDD populations by diagnosis, and a review of Minnesota audit findings, then approved the item. Item 3B, the Arizona Training Program at Coolidge annual review, was also approved. Finally, item 4 proposed transferring $650,000 from unused special election funds to the Secretary of State’s cybersecurity monitoring and management budget. The Secretary of State’s office said the money would support 24/7 monitoring, endpoint protection, and remediation of identified vulnerabilities, and members debated the office’s federal outreach and the March 1 deadline tied to county reimbursement for AVID-related costs. Despite concerns from some members about communication and the size of the remaining appropriation, the committee gave favorable review to the $650,000 transfer and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we'll have comment and then vote on it. Thank you, Chair Goss.
• We can vote on the A1 amendment here and then move on to the A3.
• We need nine votes. Um, and so the A3 amendment did not actually prevail.
• that offline with U. Mindot. Um, Mr. that offline with U. Mindot. Um, Mr.
• Um, if that's everything offline.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, they offer the rules report, which you all have heard the rules and just voted to review.
• Finally, they offer the rules report, which you all have heard the rules and just voted to review.
• And finally, they offer the rules report, which you all have heard the rules, and just voted to review
• If not, we'll have to get with the agency when they're done offline, if you don't mind. ...claims for
• If not, we'll have to get with the agency when they're done offline, if you don't mind.

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:

• Again, you are not voting on this sheet.
• I voted against it when I was a county commissioner for eight straight years for their funding, and maybe
• I'll talk with you offline about that, Representative Silva. Anything else on this one? All right.
• I'll talk with you offline about that, Rep Silva. Anything else on this one? All right.
• You're not going to be voting on this.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ...So you are saying that if we make a decision to vote for this bill, we are helping you to become able
• We will either be here next Tuesday or Wednesday for a vote—I'm not sure on that yet.
• If y'all will, we will vote next week—I'm not sure if it will be Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Representative Wit, I do really appreciate our talks offline.
• Hope... ...really appreciate our talks offline.

Bills: HB441, HB445, HB477, HB441, HB445

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax

Transcript Highlights:

• So I respectfully ask for a vote. Thank you.
• Perhaps some of you voted on.
• Calderon, not voting. Chen. Davies, no. Gonzales, no. Gonzales, not voting. Davies, no.
• With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• Not voting. Calderon? Aye. No. Ta, no. Wallace, not voting. Subur? Aye.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard SB 1259, which would require refineries to provide advance closure and remediation planning information, and SB 1425, which would authorize the High-Speed Rail Authority to create a permit process for encroachments in its right of way. The committee also held an informational hearing on California electricity reliability and the future of the Strategic Reliability Reserve. The chair opened by noting the hearing room change, testimony limits, and that the committee would proceed without a quorum at first, then later established quorum for votes. On SB 1259, Senator Blake Spear argued the bill would give communities and state agencies needed information to plan for refinery closures, cleanup, and land reuse, comparing the requirement to estate planning. Supporters, including Benicia City Councilmember Carrie Birdseye and UC Santa Barbara professor Ranjit Schmook, said the bill would help communities facing refinery closures avoid being left without information and better prepare for redevelopment and remediation. Opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, argued the bill could send negative market signals, create conflicts with federal reporting, and potentially accelerate refinery closures. The committee passed SB 1259 on a 7-3 vote, later reopening the roll and recording additional votes before moving it out as amended to Appropriations. On SB 1425, Senator Cortese and sponsor Robert Pearsall said the bill would help the High-Speed Rail Authority manage utility, broadband, drainage, and vegetation encroachments along the project corridor and reduce delays. Labor and construction groups supported the measure as a way to add certainty and speed project delivery. Utilities and local agencies, including LADWP, Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, PG&E, and others, opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer language on emergencies, existing agreements, and potential impacts on their own rights of way and service obligations. After discussion about emergency language and utility coordination, the committee passed SB 1425 as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote. In the oversight hearing, CEC, CPUC, CAISO, and DWR officials reported that California’s summer reliability outlook is better than in prior years, with substantial new procurement, storage, and demand-response resources added since 2020. They said the state is projected to meet its summer reliability standard and has not needed a flex alert for three straight years, but cautioned that extreme heat, fire, hydro conditions, and federal policy uncertainty still pose risks. Officials emphasized that the current Strategic Reliability Reserve remains important as a backstop, while longer-term planning must address rising demand from electrification and data centers and the eventual retirement of emergency resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to talk offline now and show you specifics.
• As noted, I'd be happy to follow up offline to go through all of those components of how we identify
• If you're a voting member, be prepared to vote. On, I believe, four sets of minutes shortly.
• Madam Chair, I am a voting member, and I'd like to make a motion to approve the minutes.
• I'll speak to you offline about some of this, Representative Ferrary.