Transcript Highlights:

• Um the House 27,347,000 balance.
• The House position with 11,653,000.
• ><c> it</c><00:06:50.240><c> by</c> The House position decreases it by The House position decreases it
• Thank you. applaud the House for taking this applaud the House for taking this action.<00:18:53.919><
• </c> governor's position in the house governor's position in the house position<00:42:50.400><c> that

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward. The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time. Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• House calendar.
• First and foremost, House Bill 7031, which we passed off the floor unanimously previously, House Bill
• The bill creates a new affordable housing exemption for certain multifamily housing projects...
• Welcome to the Florida House. Welcome to the Florida House. Glad you're with us today.
• Welcome to the Florida House. Welcome to the Florida House. Good to have you with us today.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• House to be in order. Mr.
• House 4530 has been released by the Committee on Bills on Third Reading.
• The House will be in a brief recess.
• Ordered, that when the House adjourns today, it adjourns to meet tomorrow at 11 a.m.
• Jones now moves that the House stand adjourned. The order is adopted. Mr.

Summary: The House opened with the pledge and quickly took up several committee reports and local matters. It adopted a resolution congratulating Captain Mark S. Tommel on his retirement as fire captain in Maynard. The chamber then advanced multiple bills from Ways and Means, including a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill (House 4530), a bill setting the 2026 state primary election date (House 4531), and a local bill on affordable housing and branch library space in Dorchester (House 4532, with an amendment). It also passed to enact two local bills already on final passage: one authorizing Lexington to grant additional on-premises wine and malt beverage licenses and another authorizing Melrose to establish a means-tested senior property tax exemption. The most substantial debate centered on House 4530, the supplemental appropriations bill. Representative Lawn spoke in support, describing it as an urgent response to federal health care funding cuts and emphasizing support for safety net hospitals, community health centers, and the Health Safety Net. He cited a total $234 million investment, including $122 million for acute care hospitals, $35 million for community health centers, $2.5 million for the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and $77 million for the Health Safety Net. After a roll call vote, the House passed the bill to be engrossed by a vote of 148-1. The House also observed a moment of silence in memory of former House clerk Bartley J. Bart Joyce, recognizing his long service to the chamber. Earlier, members briefly recessed and later resumed after a quorum issue and a roll call. The session concluded with adoption of an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m., and the House adjourned to meet Thursday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let the House please come to order.
• House Bill 655. &gt;&gt; Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 655.
• House Bill 1665. calendar. House Bill 1665.
• House Bill 1672.
• House Bill 1672.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to ask Chairman Madaro if he could introduce members of the House who are here.
• For House bills, please submit testimony to Annesis.caudzitsis@MAHouse.gov.
• Each year, the students come to the State House.
• Far too many households... ...exceed housing costs or college tuition.
• pilot program; Senate 1956; and House 386?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Um<00:14:33.360><c> House</c><00:14:33.600><c> Bill</c><00:14:33.839><c> 266</c> Um House Bill 266
• Um, we accepted their Seeing none, House Bill 266 is hereby Seeing none, House Bill 266 is hereby ordered
• <c> Feldmark,</c> House Bill 472, Delegate Feldmark, House Bill 472, Delegate Feldmark, Income<00:15:
• Um the House House House Committee<00:15:52.920><c> Ways</c><00:15:53.200><c> and</c><00:15:53.280><c
• ><c> Wilkins,</c><00:20:37.680><c> Task</c> House Bill 1142, Delegate Wilkins, Task House Bill 1142,

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Father Mark Bilek of Westminster, introduced by the Senator from the 42nd District and praised by members for his community service and Lenten message of reconciliation. The prayer was journalized. The chamber then recognized several guests, including interns, family members, a shadowing student, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Ann Benfield, before moving to floor business. A scheduling note indicated a light floor agenda, with committee work later in the day and a longer floor session expected the next day. The Senate considered several second-reading committee reports and moved multiple bills to third reading, generally without objection. These included House Bill 229, increasing Maryland Transportation Authority bond capacity from $4 billion to $5 billion; House Bill 266, allowing resource-sharing revenues to support state communications infrastructure, with an amendment conforming it to Senate Bill 85; House Bill 472, extending and adjusting the theatrical production tax credit; House Bill 607, setting constitutional officers’ salaries; House Bill 810, creating a study on blockchain-based lease recordation verification with an amendment adding the Maryland Blockchain Association; House Bill 1095, granting a Calvert County property tax credit for former tobacco barns; House Bill 1142, creating a task force on county and municipal revenue structures; and House Bill 1165, addressing apprenticeship program accountability and completion. The Senate also advanced Senate Bill 956, authorizing the Maryland Transportation Authority to waive portions of video tolls or civil penalties on delinquent accounts, with a sponsor amendment. Members briefly joked about April Fools’ Day during the proceedings, but the chamber continued to adopt reports and amendments without recorded opposition. At the end of the session, leaders announced committee schedules for the afternoon and the next day, including Finance, Triple E, Budget and Taxation, and Judicial Proceedings meetings. The Senate then held a quorum call, confirmed 45 members present, and adjourned until Thursday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> consideration, House Bill 383. consideration, House Bill 383.
• House Bill 383 passes with the expression of opinion that the same should pass on the House floor with
• </c> House Bill 586.
• House Bill 586 passes with the expression of opinion that the same should pass on the House floor.
• House Bill 621 passes with the expression of opinion that the same should pass on the House floor.

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 18 to Health and Human Services; House Bill 26 to Health and Human Services; House Bill 36
• K-16; House Bill 150 to Business and Commerce; House Bill 252 to Business and Commerce; House Bill 503
• to Finance; House Bill 517 to Business and Commerce; House Bill 581 to State Affairs; House Bill 742
• Resources; House Bill 1442 to Business and Commerce; House Bill 1562 to Business and Commerce; House
• House Bill 2733 to Jurisprudence; House Bill 2884 to State Affairs; House Bill 2986 to State Affairs;

Bills: SCR46 , SB31 , SB39 , SB227 , SB330 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB482 , SB500 , SB506 , SB512 , SB527 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB659 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB816 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB1020 , SB1055 , SB1065 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1181 , SB1283 , SB1383 , SB1395 , SB1410 , SB1433 , SB1490 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1626 , SB1666 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1845 , SB1924 , SB1964 , SB1972 , SB2018 , SB2031 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2080 , SB2111 , SB2117 , SB2154 , SB2161 , SB2173 , SB2206 , SB2225 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2314 , SB2322 , SB2351 , SB2371 , SB2476 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2570 , SB2589 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB2660 , SB2692 , SB2693 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2753 , SB2779 , SB2877 , SB2880 , SB2900 , SB2920 , SB3031 , HJR4 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB1 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB1490 , SB2314 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB1137 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB1558 , SB884 , SB227 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB2371 , SB2383 , SB646 , SB1169 , SB1754 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1756 , SB2119 , SB527 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , HCR35 , HCR64

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote. Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0. The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour to which the House adjourned having arrived, the House will be in order.
• The House concurs. Report of committees.
• Welcome, Amvet, to the House. Report of committees.
• Welcome to the House of Representatives. The House will be in a brief recess.
• House Bill 5358, its title having been changed by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. It adopted a resolution designating August 8 and 9, 2026, as a sales tax holiday, concurred with the Senate on a joint petition establishing a sick leave bank for Edward Suber of the Department of Youth Services, and suspended Joint Rule 12 for two other petitions: one concerning health care worker platforms and another allowing Adams Fire District firefighters to serve past age 65. The House also welcomed visiting students from Amvet Boulevard Elementary School and guests of other members. The House then considered a series of bills recommended by the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, including sick leave banks for Shannon Manning and Stephanie Rivera and House Bill 4443 on the maximum age for original appointment as a firefighter or police officer. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered those bills to a third reading. It also enacted H. 5392, authorizing North Attleboro to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Later, the House passed several bills to be engrossed: Senate Bill 2574 providing accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, Senate Bill 2967 concerning ownership and maintenance of Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook culverts and dams, House Bill 4716 amending the Pittsfield city charter, and House Bill 5358 authorizing Newton to place municipal charge liens on property for unpaid local charges, fees, or fines. The chamber also observed a moment of silent tribute for Michael P. Higgins of Woburn, adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m., and adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, you have House Bill 552 before you.
• House Bill 552 has now passed out of this committee and is eligible for consideration on the House floor
• Hope you guys will help me get on the House floor and get it to the House over to the Senate.
• </c><00:08:26.280><c> floor</c> for consideration on the house floor for consideration on the house floor
• </c> the house floor and get it to the house the house floor and get it to the house over<00:08:35.320

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members and Vice Chair Susan Tyler Whitten, reviewed committee procedures, and introduced staff. Members also introduced several guests, including family members, interns, and visitors from Kenton County. The chair noted there were no minutes to approve because it was the first meeting. The committee then heard House Bill 552 from Judge Executive John Sims of Falmouth County, who said the bill is a joint effort supported by KLC and the County Judge/Executive Association. He explained that the measure makes minor wording changes, replacing references to “jurisdiction” with “county or city” and changing “chairman” to “chair,” with the goal of ensuring smaller communities retain representation on local tourist commissions. Chair King added that the bill would allow a mayor or judge executive to appoint a county resident to a tourism board even when the tax district or business ownership crosses city-county lines. After brief discussion and no further questions, the committee voted on the bill. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor, with members present voting yes and Representative Whitaker explaining his support by saying tourism is a team effort in the counties. House Bill 552 passed out of committee and was sent to the House floor for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have been extremely present, including today at the State House.
• Every budget that we have taken up has also been a housing budget.
• And yes, today this energy bill is also a housing bill.
• development incentive program, and Housing Works.
• for why housing is so expensive.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you've seen, the House is in session today, so members may be coming in and out.
• And consistent with House Rule 27, all matters filed in the House which are listed for today's hearing
• House Bill 2971, House Bill 2905, House Bill 2807, and Senate Bill 1819, all related to 9-1-1 dispatches
• House Bill 2796 takes a targeted approach to modernizing that system.
• In short, House Bill 2796 is about fair and...

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems. The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am joined today by my House co-chair, Chair Tackey Chan.
• Bill 488. ...as I support House Bill 488.
• Today I'm testifying on House Bill 4719, proposed by Representative Jones Jr., as well as House Bill
• This is exactly why House Bill 559 needs to pass.
• Here's why House Bill 4719 is so practical.

Bills: S2636 , S2628 , S2913 , H4907 , H4877 , H4661 , H4662 , H4597 , H4719 , H4019 , H559 , H4588

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: cosmetology, cosmetologist, beauty industry, hairdresser, esthetician, salon, licensure compact, interstate compact, multistate license, license reciprocity, professional licensure, occupational licensing, workforce mobility, license portability, military spouse, military family, background check, disciplinary action, scope of practice, consumer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair lays out House Bill 188 and offers up a complete committee substitute for House Bill 188.
• I'm in support of House Bill 188.
• The Texas Strong Defense Fund, created under House Joint Resolution 47 and House Bill 188, is extremely
• Additionally, the Texas Strong Defense Fund, proposed through House Joint Resolution 47 and House Bill
• The chair withdraws the committee substitute for House Bill 188, and House Bill 188 will be left pending

Bills: HB188 , HB265 , HJR35 , HJR47 , SB1901 , HB188 , HB265 , HJR35

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety, gang violence prevention, human trafficking prevention, economic development, TxDOT grants, school districts

Transcript Highlights:

• House calendar.
• CS House Joint Resolution 1F.
• I applaud Speaker Perez in allowing this House to do the work, allowing this House to do the research
• concurrence of the House.
• The House is adjourned sine die.

Summary: The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations. Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times. The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, I'll just echo what I said on House Bill 1033.
• I'd like to report House Bill 55 favorably. The time is right.
• It's on House Bill 635.
• The House brought it to the House? Okay.
• Okay, House Bill 770. whose name was Martinez. Okay, House Bill 772.

Committee: Senate Judiciary C

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I now move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2335 be voted do pass.
• By your vote of 19 yes and zero noes, you voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2335 do pass
• I now move that House Bill 2330 and House Bill 2978 be voted do pass. Is there any discussion?
• And Representative Steinhoff and I are pleased to present to the committee House Bill 2913 and House
• I represent House District 100, and I’m here to present on House Bill 2304.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to present House Bill 145.
• We are ready for House Bill 247 when you are, Mr. Chair.
• The LFC also laid the groundwork, excuse me, in House Bill 2, which is reflected in House Bill 2 in preparation
• I make a do pass on House Bill 247. Representative Chandler.
• I make a do pass on House Bill 247 as twice amended. Thank you.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the House Committee on Community Safety.
• House Bill 2310 is the bill that is related.
• House Bill 2464 needs to be approved.
• House Bill 2464.
• We are pro with concerns on House Bill 1239, and I mean the original House Bill 1239.

Bills: HB1228 , HB1239 , HB2310 , HB2464

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• Mary Jane Bourbon and Chop House LLC.
• Seeing none, that will conclude the hearing on House Bill 1674, House Bill 1694, House Bill 1795, House
• Bill 1780, House Bill 2056, and House Bill 2312.
• Seeing none, that will conclude the hearing on House Bill 1674, House Bill 1694, House Bill 1795, House
• Bill 1780, House Bill 2056, and House Bill 2312.

Committee: House General Laws