Transcript Highlights:

• You don't need to close? No close. Okay.
• This does not affect the attorneys being the primary lien holder.
• Rebrenberg had last year more closely. I have no idea what he had last year.
• You may have a primary insurer and an excess insurer.
• “Representative Mellarine, close on your bill. Thank you, members. I appreciate it.

Bills: HB79 , HB437 , HB646 , HB1089 , HB1099 , SB173 , SB180 , SB260 , SB424 , SB476

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Keywords: carbon capture, damages, environmental liability, legal liability, site restoration, expert witness, expert testimony, witness fees, pecuniary interest, conflict of interest, civil procedure, evidence law, Louisiana evidence code, Louisiana civil litigation, expert report, discovery, pretrial disclosure, litigation transparency, settlement, damages award

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not even getting close to that.
• Close quote.
• In closing, this proposal is not vague and open-ended.
• It would seem a shame to close that valve off. I hope that answers your question.
• It would seem a shame to close that valve off. I hope that answers your question.

Summary: The subcommittee heard several California transportation and public safety budget proposals. Caltrans requested a one-time $225 million augmentation to continue replacing its aging fleet and build out zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Caltrans said the funding would replace about 1,100 vehicles, including many heavy-duty units, and acknowledged its overdue report on zero-emission fleet efforts would be delivered by mid-to-late April. The LAO said the request raised no concerns, but one senator strongly criticized the cost and policy emphasis on making the fleet the “greenest” rather than prioritizing road maintenance. The chair pressed Caltrans to submit the overdue report within 30 days, saying it was necessary for oversight before the request could be considered. The committee also discussed a Caltrans proposal tied to SB 150 and the High Road Construction Careers Program. Because federal highway funds could not be used as originally intended for workforce training, Caltrans and the Department of Finance proposed replacing the federal dollars with $30 million in state Highway Account funds. The Workforce Development Board said the program had a track record of connecting participants to apprenticeships and jobs, while one senator questioned why the original $50 million federal set-aside had not been implemented and asked for more detail on where the remaining funds would go. Finance said the state funds were already set aside and expected to begin flowing in May over a two- to three-year period. The California Highway Patrol presented two requests. First, CHP sought $60 million from the Motor Vehicle Account for equipment and operating costs, citing inflation, higher vehicle prices, and the end of its ability to cover costs through vacancy savings as hiring improved. The LAO recommended rejection, arguing the costs were not new, CHP still had a substantial equipment budget, and the Motor Vehicle Account faces insolvency by 2028-29. Second, CHP requested $885,000 ongoing to fund seven crime analyst positions for the Highway Violence Task Force. CHP said the task force had reduced freeway shootings from 477 in 2021 to 179 last year, though some data categories had changed over time. The LAO did not object, but noted the request would create a permanent funding commitment. The DMV presented two modernization items: the State-to-State verification system required for Real ID compliance and the DXP system to replace aging legacy technology. The LAO raised no concerns with either, but noted DXP has had cost overruns and delays and will require continued legislative oversight. Senators focused heavily on privacy and data-sharing concerns in the State-to-State system, especially the use of Social Security number digits and the role of the AAMVA network. DMV said the system is required for Real ID compliance, uses encrypted data, and is intended to prevent duplicate credentials across states. The committee also discussed customer service improvements from DXP, with DMV saying the project should better integrate systems and improve service delivery by the end of the calendar year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Representative Crane, would you like to give us some hard close?
• So last, close. those. So last, close, catastrophic fires cost everyone.
• Again, we worked with the department closely.
• Yeah, close. Mr.
• This will be a virtual testimony, maybe. in high needs primary care areas.

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have worked very closely with them. We have a… IA. They're a national organization.
• We have worked very closely with them.
• Infrastructure versus online, page 187, the $12 million for primary care in Taos, primary care facility
• And, Chairman, I know we have to work closely... Do we know a rough amount?
• And, Chairman, I know we have to work closely to get things scheduled.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152. The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute. The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am closely affiliated with the division. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Oh, the primary provider at the juvenile detention center.
• What other fields are close enough? For the question, I would say critical.
• In that capacity, I have two primary roles.
• Our next presentation—we're close to time, very close to on time.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• As the primary architect of the Wisconsin law, I could not be more pleased.
• But Congress must take action and permanently close the spigot of FRSs.
• I'll close by saying we're dealing with fentanyl and the deadly Of that drug, and we're also dealing
• It doesn't stop illicit fentanyl incentive, but it closes the spigot of fentanylated substances.
• A big mistake, and I'll close with a question to Dr. Farfan.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Early in my career, I worked as a primary health care doctor in a coffee-growing town where many of my
• When we look closely, we found that the harm from pesticides was stronger in the kids who face poverty
• I'll close where I've begun. To me, these are not data points.
• I'll close what I've begun. To me, these are not data points.
• So with that, I'll close. Thank you very much for hearing me. Hello, good evening.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got the unofficial Hannibal bypasses around Hannibal, that MoDOT closes those roads at the drop
• You know, if there's any threat of snow, they close them. Why? Because they don't have shoulders.
• You know, if there's any threat of snow, they close. closes those roads at the drop of a hat.
• You know, if there's any threat of snow, they close them. Why? Because they don't have shoulders.
• Would you know the percentage of hydropower that is used for reserve power versus primary?

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to 30 other states, which is... ...or the reciprocity they have in close to 30 other states, which is
• SB 1058 closes that gap. I'm sorry, 1058 closes that gap. It's simply... SB 1058 closes that gap.
• This simply closes a gap.
• SB 1211 will close a gap where Tori just shared where aggravated harassment... ...providers of service
• SB 1211 will close a gap where Tori just shared where aggravated harassment... ...these are folks who

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and advanced five Senate bills. SB 1160 would make it a class one misdemeanor to fly a drone within one mile of a ticketed entertainment event, with exceptions for authorized personnel or written consent; NASCAR testified in support on public safety grounds, and the bill received a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. SB 1093 would expand the definition of riot to include force or threats causing property damage and add riot as a predicate offense for conspiracy and racketeering; criminal defense attorneys opposed it as overly broad, while the sponsor argued it would target those who pay for organized riots, and it passed 5-2. SB 1049 would place a four-year limit on spousal maintenance and adjust related court guidelines; the sponsor said it was intended to end open-ended support, while members raised concerns about long marriages, businesses, and lifestyle disparities, and it passed 5-2. SB 1053 would change CCW permit fees so Arizona residents pay 10% of the nonresident fee; supporters said the bill would make resident permits cheaper while allowing DPS to keep the program revenue neutral, but some members worried it could reduce state revenue, and it passed 6-2. SB 1058 would bar firearm registries and the use of merchant category codes to identify firearm retailers or purchases, with enforcement by the Attorney General and county attorneys; supporters framed it as a privacy and Second Amendment measure, and it passed 6-2. SB 1211 would allow victims of felony aggravated harassment involving domestic violence to seek a lifetime injunction against the convicted defendant; domestic violence advocates supported it as closing a gap for ongoing harassment, a criminal justice group opposed a broader amendment but not the bill itself, and the committee ultimately approved the bill unanimously, 9-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Bloomfield is consolidating three of its schools, Central Primary, Nawa Ani, and Mesa Alta Junior
• Um, close out projects on a process level.
• out, um. step in closing these out.
• This is a close to 58,000 square foot facility serving grades 9 through 12. The enrollment is 300.
• We're so close, I almost forgot. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary reason for this is due to a lack of support and poor experiences with the system itself.
• Um, we got so close to finishing this morning and then, um, didn't quite see us coming back in around
• Uh, members, uh, if, uh, no one else is here to testify, which we closed registration earlier, but we
• Uh, I'd like to close by recognizing, uh, Senator Hancock for his work in this space and to thank Dean
• Uh, this time that concludes public testimony on this bill, and public testimony is closed.

Bills: SB 502 , SB 513 , SB 622 , SB 670 , SB 731 , SB 732 , SB 916 , SB 961 , SB 1122

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Consumer Advocate and the primary Consumer Advocate and the primary sponsor<00:17:37.080><c> and
• </c> words quote more of everything close words quote more of everything close quote<01:18:24.360><c>
• The child care provider may be suspended from their job, or the center temporarily closed, while the
• Well, the case was investigated and closed in a timely manner.
• It won't because it's closed. Thumbs up. Thank you very much, Representative. Representative Jones.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no debate, you're recognized to close? I'll waive to close.
• Seeing none, we'll close on the amendment. Wave close on the amendment.
• Senator Sharief, you are recognized to close. Wave closed, Mr. Chair.
• Seeing no debate, you are recognized to close. Wave closed.
• You are recognized to close. We have closed. Robin, would you please call the roll?

Bills: S0042 , S0196 , S0878 , S0902 , S0914 , S1092 , S1168 , S1340 , S1404 , S1414 , S1684 , S1686

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, uterine fibroids, health database, medical research, personal data protection, women's health, clinical laboratory, licensure, healthcare personnel, technologist, technician, medical marijuana, low-THC cannabis

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to hear and vote on a series of health, human services, and education-related bills, along with a presentation of the committee’s proposed HHS budget. The budget was described as increasing by more than $2.1 billion over the current base, with major funding highlighted for Medicaid and KidCare, rural health, provider rate increases, child welfare, mental health and substance use, opioid treatment, Alzheimer’s initiatives, cancer research, ADAP, veterans’ services, and IT modernization. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding and concerns about Department of Health changes affecting access, premium assistance, notice, and continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Among the bills reported favorably were measures on podiatric medicine and tissue-based products (SB 1092), background screening and clearinghouse procedures (SB 1168), child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses and second opinions (SB 42), clinical laboratory personnel licensure standards (SB 878), uterine fibroid data tracking and research (SB 196), medical marijuana treatment center oversight and related health provisions (SB 902), dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and intervention in schools (SB 1340), memory care licensure for assisted living facilities (SB 1404), congenital CMV education materials (SB 1414), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption bills (SB 1684 and SB 1686), and occupational therapy dry needling licensure standards (SB 914). Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1092, SB 42, SB 902, SB 1684, and SB 1404. Testimony generally came from professional associations, advocacy groups, and affected stakeholders, with support voiced for most measures. The committee adopted amendments on the floor, heard no opposition during debate on the bills described, and then voted to report each measure favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 50 states through 128 different metrics and 10 competitive areas, workforce development was their primary
• 50 states through 128 different metrics and 10 competitive areas, workforce development was their primary
• 50 states through 128 different metrics and 10 competitive areas, workforce development was their primary
• We coordinate very closely with the Department of Taxation through both the director, deputy director
• So my understanding is that when we've gone, that's been closed.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:03.040><c> But</c> place were to close. But place were to close.
• ><c> the</c><00:30:34.399><c> doors</c> some, that meant closing the doors some, that meant closing the
• </c><00:30:42.640><c> While</c> closed as a direct result. While closed as a direct result.
• I was trying to bring pretty close.
• Paul who helped close down, right?

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation would allow a primary<00:08:29.680><c> residence</c><00:08:30.800><c> or</c><00:08:31.039
• ><c> a</c><00:08:31.280><c> primary</c> primary residence or a primary primary residence or a primary
• /c><00:10:07.279><c> their</c><00:10:07.519><c> home</c><00:10:07.760><c> or</c><00:10:08.000><c> primary
• </c><00:10:08.399><c> vehicle</c> make sure their home or primary vehicle make sure their home or primary

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When we opened our three primary clinics during COVID, anxiety and depression were the three primary
• diagnosis of our members and primary diagnosis of our members and their<00:03:09.920><c> families.
• But have they identified the primary reason or some of the primary reasons why people are choosing suicide
• I mean, work is medicinal in most cases, but do you know the primary? I wouldn't assume it's work.
• I mean, work is medicinal in most cases, but do you know the primary?

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary benefit to us is transforming us as a church.
• </c> church and love the world the primary church and love the world the primary benefit<00:31:25.960
• relatives had some economic bad close relatives had some economic bad times<00:32:10.399><c> and</c>
• I know they didn't ask, but it is such a close community.
• I know they didn't ask, but it is such a close community.

Bills: HF1051 , HF16

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: sacred communities, micro units, religious institutions, housing regulations, homelessness, conditional use permits, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, sanctuary city, noncooperation ordinance, ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal immigration authorities, deportation, undocumented immigrant, undocumented person, immigration status data, data sharing, preemption, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, would you like to close? No, thank you.
• This bill provides a full property tax exemption for the primary residents of veterans who are 100% disabled
• Okay, you'd like to go ahead and close. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Could you close already? No. Not closed. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Motion. Yes.

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think you were in there, where we tried to say, hey, at least let's not let them do this anywhere close
• So those are two bills we're watching pretty closely. There's lots of other bills.
• They have basically told me that what they are doing is advising their clients to make their primary
• I want to look a little bit more closely, but at this point I've not yet... Thank you.
• I want to look a little bit more closely, but at this point I've not yet found any of that feedback incorporated

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: Senate and House Republican leaders used the media availability to focus on affordability and to criticize the Democratic majority’s newly released income tax proposal. Leaders John Braun and Drew Stokesbary argued the plan would raise costs, harm small and medium-sized businesses, and fail to deliver meaningful tax relief elsewhere. They said the bill’s marriage penalty, lack of loss carryforward, and treatment of pass-through entities were especially problematic, and they warned it could eventually expand beyond high earners. They also cited other pending measures they said would increase costs, including taxes or fees affecting insurance, tires, clothing, social media, cigarettes, and solid waste. A major portion of the discussion centered on Republican-hosted listening sessions on the initiatives, which they said were intended to provide balanced public testimony after Democrats declined to advance hearings. House Republicans said they invited speakers both for and against the initiatives, including a wide range of opponents, and emphasized that the sessions were meant to show the public a fair debate. They also discussed several policy bills they oppose, including housing and homelessness measures they said would limit local control near schools and parks, and a bill creating a regulatory framework for automated license plate readers, which they said still raises concerns for cities and law enforcement despite some improvements. In response to questions, Republicans said they support funding for public defense but believe it should be handled within existing budget priorities rather than through an income tax. They also said they are watching bills on government fraud oversight, SNAP restrictions on unhealthy foods, and public safety, including measures related to sexually violent predators and child safety. Throughout the event, leaders repeatedly framed their agenda as protecting affordability and public safety while opposing what they described as tax increases and regulations that would make life more expensive in Washington.