Transcript Highlights:

• In a collaborative fashion for this community and to address these situations.
• And so we use those to practice. We also did a tabletop.
• I appreciate you sharing your best practices. Thank you. All right, members.
• I appreciate you sharing your best practices. Thank you.
• Our core strength is to rapidly collaborate with regional and state partners.

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness hearing convened in Kerrville with quorum, public testimony limited to three minutes and invited testimony to 10 minutes. Leaders from both chambers, along with the lieutenant governor and speaker, framed the hearing as an unprecedented joint effort focused on learning from the July 4 flood, honoring victims, and identifying actions to reduce future loss of life. The committee also heard opening remarks about decorum, logistics, and the intent to continue work in future sessions. The first panel included Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Thomas IV, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, Upper Guadalupe River Authority representative William Rector, Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, and Real County Judge Bella Rubio. They described the flood as sudden and catastrophic, with Kerr County reporting 108 deaths and two missing. Local officials emphasized that they received no timely warning of the scale of the event, that responders and volunteers acted heroically under extreme conditions, and that communications, cell coverage, and rural emergency resources were strained. Several witnesses said the county’s existing alert systems were limited by geography, sparse broadband, and the speed of the flood. Testimony focused on possible improvements, including real-time flood gauges and predictive monitoring, stronger rural emergency management staffing and training, better interoperability and alerting tools such as IPAWS, CodeRED, WENS, and sirens, and expanded broadband and radio coverage. Kerrville asked for a flood warning system before next summer and state help for stormwater, floodplain, and disaster recovery funding. UGRA described its past and current flood-warning and mitigation efforts, including gauge funding, a new software-based flood prediction project, and consideration of additional retention dams. Kendall and Real counties highlighted successful or needed alerting and evacuation practices, while also stressing the difficulty of funding and maintaining such systems in small rural counties. Members asked detailed questions about the timeline of the flood response, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and whether regional consolidation or additional infrastructure could improve future preparedness.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are dangerous practices for the people involved as well as for emergency vehicles that may not
• </c><00:03:05.920><c> by</c><00:03:06.080><c> the</c> charging and sentencing practices by the charging
• </c> airport these are dangerous practices airport these are dangerous practices for<00:05:05.400><c>
• Finally, this bill brings sunlight to the practice of our criminal justice partners, many of whom work
• </c> apprehension of the BCA collaborates apprehension of the BCA collaborates with<01:16:54.880><c>

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had some presentations from the Highway Patrol on security, best practices, and we have some other
• Also, we've had some discussions about practicing good internet hygiene, so things like going on vacation
• Having that documented and possibly reporting that is a good best practice.
• , achievable...” “...strategic plan framework so that they are practical, achievable, and designed to
• Chairman Klein said that the legislator security best practices and training session could be worked

Committee: Joint Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we've been working collaboratively to help address those issues.
• What the commission has largely done is use its workshop skills to build collaborative workshops, and
• or the best practices.
• or the best practices.
• What it looks like in practice is, in advance of fire season, based on anticipated needs, the executive

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do know that some of the theft cases ended up in our collaborative justice courts, either pre- or
• I definitely encourage more collaboration and would love to see it made permanent in the budget process
• In practice, this means that when a survivor escapes trafficking or needs help escaping a trafficker,
• Best practices and standards and building them into the solution so that we aren't building something
• So that is a statement of work that is intended to meet industry best practices and standards and also

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the district lacks authority and structured, uh, procedures to collaborate with the counties
• These practices raise cost of housing and infrastructure and divert development away from fast growing

Bills: SB 612 , SB 1855 , SB 2568 , SB 3058

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Transcript Highlights:

• land donated by the town, was established by the Trophy Club Women's Club and is maintained in collaboration
• Practicing. And we're required... They're not gathering; there's not a hunting event.

Bills: SB2801 , SB2232 , SCR18

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: SB 2801, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Parks and Wildlife Code, field trial permit, hunting dog field trial, coonhound trial, dog trial, squirrel hunting, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals, hunting license exemption, wildlife management, public land permit, private land hunting, game fish and water safety account, permit fee, commission rules, Parks and Wildlife Department, Unplug Texas Day, digital detox

Transcript Highlights:

• restoration and increases transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices
• .and community partnerships, improving insurance and community flood ratings by allowing DEP to collaborate

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• BLNR be drafted on forms approved by BLNR, be drafted on forms that reflect contemporary leasing practices
• BLNR be drafted on forms approved by BLNR, be drafted on forms that reflect contemporary leasing practices
• This is our third year, with the collaboration of DEBD's deputy director.
• We will continue to work in collaboration with DOT, but we won't have their funds available.
• </c><01:38:39.159><c> by</c> sustainable land use practices by sustainable land use practices by prioritizing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• The CAC model is a nationally recognized best practice in child abuse investigations, not only reducing
• The CAC model is a nationally recognized best practice in child abuse investigations, not only reducing
• CACs play a pivotal role in coordinating best practices and a multidisciplinary response to child abuse
• The collaborative effort not only enhances the ability to seek justice but also minimizes the potential
• </c> coordinating best practices coordinating best practices multi-disciplinary<00:17:22.679><c> response

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:57:43.440><c> In</c><00:57:43.599><c> addition</c><00:57:43.839><c> to</c> Best practices in
• ><c> effectively</c> practices in other states effectively practices in other states effectively use<
• I appreciate the collective and collaborative efforts to work together to address the issues.
• I appreciate the<01:02:35.119><c> collective</c><01:02:35.520><c> and</c><01:02:35.760><c> collaborative
• </c><01:02:36.240><c> efforts</c> the collective and collaborative efforts the collective and collaborative

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, uh, it was done in good faith and a lot of collaboration. But, uh, this is where we're at.
• </c><01:06:42.400><c> But,</c> faith and a lot of collaboration.
• But, faith and a lot of collaboration.
• I come just to share a little bit of the technical context and practical implementations from this.
• So they have long been involved with data for students and have a long-standing practice, of course,

Bills: HB0075 , HB0128

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Incentives for electric vehicle buyers, support for farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices
• We did significant engagement and collaborative work with tribal leaders and staff.
• So, happy to answer questions. >> Madam Chair, if I may, I also want to call out one additional collaborator
• So, happy to answer questions. >> Madam Chair, if I may, I also want to call out one additional collaborator
• they're what we know is part of the measurement chain of how many acres are we adding to various practices

Bills: HF3556

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: community solar, energy, solar power, renewable energy, Melissa Hortman, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• represent to this commission that How I mean, when I think about this, I think of that scope of practice
• The solution for that is going to take significant collaboration, significant investment with resources
• :19.480><c> to</c><01:48:19.560><c> take</c><01:48:19.800><c> significant</c><01:48:20.440><c> collaboration
• ,</c> going to take significant collaboration, going to take significant collaboration, significant<01
• process to address what collaborative process to address what the<01:48:41.480><c> fire</c><01:48:41.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT POP UP AND I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO IT SO I'M ASKING IT OUT LOUD TO SEE IF THERE'S A BEST PRACTICE
• YOU KNOW. >> THERE ARE A COUPLE PRACTICES AND I DON'T WANT TO ENDORSE ONE OVER THE OTHER BUT I WILL SAY
• AND HAVING THAT RESERVES SET ASIDE IS A RECOMMENDED PRACTICE BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO APPLY AS A BUSINESS
• AND BY THE WAY WE NEED A LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUFFICIENTLY ARE YOU SEEING SUFFICIENT PATTERNS AND PRACTICES
• YOU CAN SEE DOWN ON THE BOTTOM LEFT THAT'S WHEN WE DID THE DOCKSIDE PRACTICE OF LIFTING UP THE FIRST

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes technical fixes, updates outdated statutes, and improves how government operates in practice
• </c> operates in practice. operates in practice.
• It is done in collaboration with MMB, AGO, and the Minnesotans for Open Government.
• </c><01:35:13.760><c> So,</c> exploited practices. So, exploited practices.
• :36:49.600><c> as</c><01:36:49.920><c> well</c> collaboration with organizations as well collaboration

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is clear and it's practical for both school and law enforcement.
• I think that's covered in the statute where it talks about, um, target practice, but we may want to talk
• I just need to know practically how are we going to implement this.
• how are we going to practically how are we going to implement<01:26:07.520><c> this.
• And so, this bill, we really worked on best practices and like what does that look like?

Bills: HF3409 , HF3487 , HF3401

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: immigration status, undocumented students, immigrant rights, K-12 education, public school enrollment, Plyler v. Doe, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, law enforcement access, ICE, immigration enforcement, civil lawsuit, private right of action, injunctive relief, mandamus, student records, directory information, parental engagement, equal access to education

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to maintain the practices already put in place in my office to address the observed disparities
• , and his well-established legal practice, and, you know, not violating the Constitution himself.
• Another area I wanted to ask you about was unauthorized practice of law.
• And in more extreme cases, where it continues and where we see a repeated practice, we can go to the
• Superior Court and get an injunction order to basically close down their practice, seize their files,

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we both in our K-12 system and in the community college system have made it a practice of trying
• Look forward to collaborating on this issue. Thank you.
• We look forward to collaborating on this issue. Thank you. Good morning, Chair and members.
• support the Governor's proposed implementation funding for Workforce Pell and encourage continued collaboration
• implementation funding for Workforce Pell under CSAC to administer it, and encourage continued collaboration

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision proposals for higher education, beginning with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Finance proposed a one-time $10 million General Fund backfill to repay a special fund loan used to cover litigation costs, plus provisional language to allow budget flexibility for a remaining legal expense and to repay the loan without interest. The LAO opposed shifting the litigation costs to the General Fund and raised legal concerns about waiving interest on the loan, noting that special fund loans have historically been repaid with interest. Members asked about the litigation amount and the estimated interest savings, which Finance said would be about $245,000. The committee then discussed University of California funding, including the Governor’s proposed compact funding and a $1.5 million one-time increase for the First Star foster youth program at UC campuses. UC said the program has strong outcomes at UCLA, including a 100% college-going rate and high college completion rates, and that the new funding would expand the program to additional campuses and eventually be self-supporting through fundraising. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that UC already has overlapping outreach programs, including the Early Academic Outreach Program, and that the new initiative would duplicate existing services. Several senators questioned whether the state should expand a new program instead of strengthening existing ones, while UC and Finance emphasized the program’s focus on foster youth and its high success rates. For the California Community Colleges, Finance outlined the May Revision’s increase to the Student-Centered Funding Formula COLA from 2.41% to 4.31%, along with enrollment growth funding, categorical COLAs, deferred maintenance, and other ongoing and one-time investments. The Chancellor’s Office supported the flexible “super COLA” approach and asked for more enrollment growth funding, arguing that many districts are already above current targets and that unfunded growth restricts access. The LAO recommended funding at least the statutory COLA, redirecting some ongoing funds to enrollment growth or one-time priorities, and rejecting the $9.7 million Adult Learner Demonstration Project because districts already have incentives to do similar work. Senators pressed Finance and the Chancellor’s Office on the use of COLA funds to cover the new paid pregnancy disability leave requirement, the impact on hold-harmless and basic-aid districts, and whether the state should fund actual enrollment growth rather than a flat COLA. The committee also reviewed California Student Aid Commission proposals, including adjustments to Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship funding, continued Golden State Teacher Grant funding, and implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance said the Middle Class Scholarship changes reflected updated caseload estimates and that the higher 35% unmet-need level had been one-time funding, while CSAC urged continued support and noted the importance of financial aid for student success. The LAO recommended rejecting additional Golden State Teacher Grant funding as not well-targeted and urged caution on Workforce Pell trailer bill language, citing uncertainty about federal rules, ongoing administrative workload, and the need for clearer implementation planning. Members also raised concerns about declining CADAA applications and the need to better promote state aid for undocumented and mixed-status students. No votes were taken during the transcripted portion, and the committee moved through the agenda items with questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• college level, what it does is it preserves flexibility for our colleges while reinforcing best practices
• This is Senate Bill 303 by Senator Cloud, creating the Interstate Technology Collaboration Act.
• Senate Bill 303 by Senator Cloud creates the Interstate Technology Collaboration Act to provide for the
• It promotes interstate collaboration for shared services, cloud-hosted platforms, and a modernization
• So they are currently operating under an MOU where they are all working in collaboration already.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably. The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund. Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.