Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, in the fall of 2025, Mendocino Unit staff had the opportunity to harvest fallen redwood
• I have our staff here. I had to ask you if it is handed to them.
• I have our staff here.
• We have staff here who will talk to your tribal leaders, work with your tribal governments.
• I'm sure my staff can...

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs met on Barona tribal land to examine rising homeowners insurance costs affecting tribal communities, with opening remarks from tribal leaders and Assembly members emphasizing tribal sovereignty, the history of forced settlement in high-risk areas, and the need for the state to recognize mitigation work already being done on tribal lands. The committee heard that wildfire, drought, and other climate-driven disasters have sharply increased insurance premiums and reduced coverage options, especially for tribes located in rural or mountainous areas that were not chosen by the tribes themselves. Cal Fire Deputy Director Frank Bigelow described the state’s wildfire response and tribal engagement efforts, including tribal liaisons on incident management teams, a Southern Region Tribal Affairs Deputy Chief, cultural burning agreements, and more than $30 million in tribal wildfire resilience grants over the last three years. Members questioned why tribal communities receive only a small share of grants, whether Cal Fire should do more outreach and budget proposals for tribes, and whether mitigation work is being recognized by insurers. Bigelow said Cal Fire is working with insurers and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety on mitigation standards, but acknowledged that more tribal outreach and participation are needed. Tribal chairpersons and fire chiefs testified that their communities are already investing heavily in fire protection through dedicated fire departments, fuel reduction, defensible space, prescribed burns, firebreaks, and home-hardening efforts, yet premiums remain high or coverage is denied. Barona leaders said premiums can range from $6,000 to $18,000 and urged insurers to assess properties individually rather than by broad high-risk zones. Soboba, Hamu, and Pechanga representatives described similar efforts and said grant rules, environmental review, and insurer practices can make it difficult to translate mitigation into lower rates. Several members suggested short-term state assistance or a tribal insurance mitigation fund, and the committee discussed the possibility of requiring insurers to better account for tribal mitigation and sovereignty in risk assessments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just an attempt to control the marketplace in this idea of equity that everybody for everything
• has to be treated equally. ...of equity that everybody for everything has to be treated equally so that
• To the staff at the Office of Legislative Services, while many people will only see the final product
• So thank you, Governor, and also to your treasurer and the OMB staff who have worked countless hours
• that you, Of Legislative Services and the wonderful staff that come and support the Budget Committee

Keywords: 1146, all

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• So it has the Office of Equity developing guidelines for all the state agencies to follow so that everybody

Keywords: 904, all

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• Let laws and policies reflect compassion, justice, and equity.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 23 February, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

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• here today shows that they're committed to ensuring lawmakers know the importance of accessibility, equity

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized several guests in the gallery, including a pastor, disability advocates visiting for Disability Day at the Capitol, and other constituents. The chamber also received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners and withdrew SB 1131 from the Education Committee. It then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider SB 1010 and SB 1439. SB 1010, relating to historic names and the renaming of Loop 202, was amended with a legislative intent clause clarifying that the underlying freeway segments would retain their existing names, including the Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway. The bill drew significant debate on the floor, with opponents arguing it politicized highway naming and could erase existing honors, while supporters said the amendment protected current segment names and was meant to honor Charlie Kirk. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and passed SB 1010 on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 9 nays, 12 excused, and 2 not voting. SB 1439, relating to special plates, was also amended and advanced through the Committee of the Whole. During floor debate, Senator Sundareshan asked the sponsor whether he or affiliated companies had received compensation from the beneficiary organization, and the sponsor answered no. The bill then passed on third reading by a vote of 16 ayes, 12 nays, and 2 not voting. The Senate also announced upcoming committee meetings, heard a brief personal privilege statement about Ramadan and Lent, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• here today shows that they're committed to ensuring lawmakers know the importance of accessibility, equity

Keywords: 1182, all

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• If you look over under the equity signature between the second and third pillars, the world is changing

Keywords: 959, house, all

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• couple sessions to see if there's some other changes that we need to make to further enhance the equity

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 2093, described as providing a small amount of income tax relief for widowed law enforcement peace officers. The committee briefly discussed the limited scope of the relief, then recommended a due pass by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes. Representative Hagert was assigned to carry the bill to the floor. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2023, which concerned the Prairie Dog/energy impact grant funding formula and support for debt incurred by oil-impacted cities. Members debated whether the bill unfairly shifted money from the remaining 1% pool that also serves non-oil-producing cities and counties. Supporters argued that Williston, Dickinson, and Minot took on substantial debt to accommodate Bakken growth and that the state has already benefited from that development; opponents said the formula has been repeatedly eroded and that the bill would further disadvantage other political subdivisions. An amendment was offered to narrow the bill’s duration from six bienniums to two, increase the grant amount to $25 million per year, correct distribution percentages, and require reporting to legislative management. A legislative staffer explained the added guardrails: the money could only be used for debt incurred within a specified date range and only for debt service, not new projects or operations. The amendment passed on a roll call vote, and the committee then recommended the amended bill due pass and re-refer to Appropriations by a 7-6 vote, with one member absent. Representative Steiner was designated to carry the bill. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , especially in the current climate. especially in the current climate because this is diversity, equity

Bills: HB25, HB108, HB109, HB111, HB112, HB113, HB117, HB118, HB119, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB131, HB25

Keywords: emergency services, 911, local districts, joint operations, contracting, HB108, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset reauthorization, board continuation, speech-language pathology, audiology, licensing board, professional regulation, healthcare regulation, occupational licensing, speech therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, Sunset Committee, Code of Alabama 1975

Transcript Highlights:

• He most recently served as the senior enlisted adviser to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
• He most recently served as the senior enlisted adviser to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
• He most recently served as the senior enlisted adviser to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
• Uh, this week, we say goodbye to a longtime member of my staff, Lauren Fine.
• in the fight justice and health equity in the fight against<02:31:46.399><c> HIV</c><02:31:47.040><c

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a partnership where they provide the water tender, and we staff it 24/7.
• We have a partnership where they provide the water tender, and we staff it 24/7.
• I have our staff here. I had to ask you if it is handed to them.
• I have our staff here.
• I'm sure my staff can...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to say at the outset that some of us met with your staffs yesterday and we appreciate the time
• My staff are listening.
• I think it would be good for you and your staff to take a look at that we have voting members.
• Uh, thank you, Chairman King, Vice Chair Hernandez, members of staff.
• And so thank you to you and your staff for working with us and for your consideration. Thank you.

Bills: HB 14, HB 106, HB 146, HB 267, HB 274, HB 1127, HB 1359, HB 1393, HB 1584, HB 1640, HB 1710, HB 2152, HCR 101, HJR 8, HR 51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank my staff.
• And I want to recognize my staff.
• I am so excited to recognize my staff up here. Please stand up. To recognize my staff up here.
• Department head Rob Morgan and his staff; Digital Media Department staff; and Government...
• Mail Department head Irene Constantio and staff. Property Department Manager Pat Mills and staff.

Summary: The House met on sine die and began with prayer, pledges, quorum verification, and a series of announcements and recognitions. The chamber received Senate messages reporting adoption of conference committee reports on SB 268 and SB 2972, and Senate concurrence in House amendments to SB 1637. Members also referred several resolutions and announced the signing of numerous House and Senate measures by the presence of the House. Technical correction resolutions were adopted: HCR 171, authorizing corrections to HB 46, passed 138-0, and SCR 55, making a wording correction in SB 1964, passed 126-12. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to memorials and recognitions. The House honored Pastor Dave Welch, with several members offering condolences and reflections on his work organizing pastors and engaging in civic life, followed by a moment of silence. Members also recognized the Ganado High School Maidens for winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division I softball state championship, Waco police K-9 Andor after being shot in the line of duty, Region 7 DPS for Capitol Complex security, and various restaurants, staff members, interns, caucus staff, and caucus freshmen of the year across Republican, Democratic, Black, Progressive, LGBTQ, IT, Energy and Climate, and Mexican American Legislative Caucuses. The chamber also heard a retirement-style address from Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who reflected on his six sessions in the House, his military service, and his decision to step aside to focus on family, while colleagues from both parties praised his service, discipline, and willingness to work across differences. The House then continued with additional staff and caucus recognitions, including committee staff, district office staff, and interns, with members repeatedly thanking their teams for their work during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I don't think equity should depend on whether it's a budget year. >> Hence the interim study is
• </c><03:02:28.160><c> should</c><03:02:28.399><c> depend</c> &gt;&gt; I I I I don't think equity should
• depend &gt;&gt; I I I I don't think equity should depend on<03:02:28.960><c> whether</c><03:02:29.200
• I understood your equity point the whole way.
• I understood your equity point the whole I understood your equity point the whole way.<03:03:20.080><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we also for staff areas like SSD.
• </c> getting covered, but having enough staff getting covered, but having enough staff to<01:07:54.720
• </c> reminder that when you get your HR staff reminder that when you get your HR staff decreases<04:49
• </c><05:17:02.798><c> for</c> to a salary upgrade for um a staff for to a salary upgrade for um a staff
• </c> towards the six um staff. towards the six um staff.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> Uh we would like um resolution on staff, Uh we would like um resolution on staff, on<00:38:10.160
• </c><03:01:19.520><c> um</c> should ask the Senate fiscal staff um should ask the Senate fiscal staff
• </c> Now, any anything else on the staff? Now, any anything else on the staff?
• and our partisan staff.
• But, uh, Senate staff, House staff, you are the best and I just really appreciate what you do.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All state air quality staff are struggling with the same issue.
• But I will say that we're a thin staff. And when you lose key people, I mean... We're a thin staff.
• You lose a couple key people when you only have a small staff, and that can be a concern.
• I did ask our staff, too, let's model a hypothetical scenario.
• I did ask our staff, too. Let's model a hypothetical scenario.

Summary: The committee met in Grand Forks, approved the February 26 minutes by voice vote, and recessed for a tour of Minnkota Power Cooperative before hearing presentations on large energy consumers and related infrastructure issues. The first presentation, from the North Dakota Transmission Authority, focused on the need for better local decision-making tools for counties, townships, and planning and zoning boards facing major projects such as transmission lines, pipelines, data centers, wind, solar, and large-scale agriculture. The speaker urged more objective, data-driven analysis, noted that local officials often have limited time and resources, and said the state should support training and tools through groups like the League of Cities and the Association of Counties. Members asked about proactive outreach, data center ordinances, and how to avoid subsidizing large loads or causing reliability problems. The Division of Air Quality then discussed environmental oversight of data centers, emphasizing that North Dakota’s air remains among the cleanest in the country and that the agency’s role is limited to air, water discharge, stormwater, and waste—not zoning or water use. The presentation explained that data centers generally have low direct emissions but may rely on diesel backup generators when the grid is unavailable, which creates air-quality concerns; the department said it is requiring air monitors at some projects to collect real-world data and guide future decisions. Members asked about generator emissions, misinformation, monitoring costs, and staffing succession, and the agency said permit applicants pay for the monitors while the state handles some QA work. The Department of Water Resources followed with an overview of North Dakota water law and data center water use. The director explained the state’s prior-appropriation system, the public-interest review for permits, and the large overall water supply available from groundwater and the Missouri River. He said most proposed data centers use closed-loop cooling systems and generally request relatively small amounts of water compared with other uses such as power plants, irrigation, and oilfield operations, and that even a worst-case data center scenario would use only a tiny fraction of Missouri River flow. Questions focused on downstream impacts and comparisons to fracking water use, and the director said the state’s use is too small to materially affect downstream users. Later, McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd-Erickson testified online about data center zoning and permitting. He asked the committee to have Legislative Council gather information on how other states handle data center permitting and to keep the topic on the interim agenda. He argued that local zoning should remain local, but said counties lack the technical and legal resources to manage complex reclamation or bonding requirements and that state-level enabling legislation may be more appropriate. He also recommended eliminating tax incentives for data centers. The committee chair said staff would prepare a document on other states’ zoning and permitting approaches. After a lunch recess, the committee reconvened at the EERC, where CEO Charles Gorecki gave an overview of the center’s 75 years of work and its role in oil and gas, carbon management, and other energy technologies, highlighting enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide utilization as major opportunities for future production and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• by accepting the committee amendments and expressing gratitude, sincere gratitude, to you and your staff
• me and my staff and sponsors on this bill.
• Members and staff, let me be clear: this is not a finished product. The problem at hand is...
• First of all, I want to thank the committee staff for working with my office.
• And I appreciate the chair and committee staff for working with us.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you for your work on it and, uh, for the several discussions that we've had with, with you and your staff
• Also prohibits the PUC from authorizing a return on equity during a system restoration cost recovery
• Um, my husband has dealt with sepsis twice in our marriage, uh, and both times, medical staff at both
• Despite the publisher's emails written to the entire staff, these books should have been in the adult
• This is a wasteful use of staff time and resources.

Bills: HB 45, HB 755, HB 1232, HB 1555, HB 2460, HB 2702, HB 2973, HB 3120, HB 3225, HB 3314, HB 3356, HB 3371, HB 3634, HB 3638, HB 4247, HB 4283, HB 4290, HB 4302, HB 4503, HB 4511, HB 4565, HB 4581, HB 4627, HB 4632, HB 4660, HB 4668, HB 4960, HB 5042

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the student and other students and staff the student and other students and staff in<00:16:53.760
• </c> By February 9th, we had 157 staff By February 9th, we had 157 staff injuries.<00:16:58.440><c> 110
• Then we had 157 staff, and I think it was 110 at the K-3 level of staff that were hurt by kids.
• <c> academic,</c> staff means students' academic, staff means students' academic, communication,<01:19
• </c> students, staff, and families. students, staff, and families.

Bills: HF3493, HF4114

Keywords: safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, special education, funding, education finance, appropriations, budget, cross subsidy, 1183, house