Transcript Highlights:

• since you’re not at that same address, it wouldn’t make sense for you to vote on the school board and water
• The Railroad Commission's supposed to regulate oil. ...and gas, but the commissioners received significant
• contributions from the companies that they're supposed to regulate.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 10 , SB 16 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB 19 , SB 54 , HB23 , HB17 , HB16 , SB19 , SB53 , SB54 , HB16 , HB17 , HB23 , HB27 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB2 , SB3 , SB10 , SB16 , SB5

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• It relates to the regulation of state banks.
• But the Public Utility Commission of Texas plays a critical role in regulating some of the most essential
• sectors of our state's economy and public safety, namely electricity, telecommunications, and water.

Bills: HB431 , HB1522 , HB1922 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB3228 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB4219 , HB4238 , HB4344 , HB4386 , HB4739

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several House bills without opposition, including HB 11, HB 132, HB 1041, HB 1606, HB 2286, and HB 5061. Each was moved out of committee with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed, and several were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard HB 3306, which would extend existing construction-contract indemnity exceptions to electric infrastructure construction, maintenance, and vegetation management work for electric utilities and transmission and distribution utilities. The sponsor said the bill would reduce litigation and insurance costs for ratepayers, while construction industry witnesses argued it would shift liability onto subcontractors and create broad-form indemnity in a way Texas law has generally prohibited since 2011. HB 3306 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4739, a Comptroller-requested cleanup bill to repeal an outdated Finance Code provision requiring remittance of a portion of certain delinquency charges to the state, and HB 3803, HB 3804, and HB 3806, all Department of Banking-requested cleanup bills dealing with confidentiality and supervision rules for perpetual care funds, state banks, and trust companies. Those bills were briefly explained and left pending without testimony. HB 4219, aimed at improving Public Information Act compliance by requiring timely notice when records do not exist or are being withheld, allowing complaints to the Attorney General, and imposing training and fee consequences for noncompliance, drew support from a journalist and a policy analyst and was also left pending. The committee then heard HB 4238 on coerced debt and identity theft. The sponsor explained that the committee substitute narrows the bill to court-ordered findings of identity theft/coerced debt, gives collectors seven business days to stop collection activity, and removes a section to avoid litigation over court orders. A law professor and a family violence advocate testified in strong support, describing coerced debt as a barrier for domestic violence and elder abuse survivors trying to rebuild credit and access housing, jobs, and utilities. The bill was left pending. HB 1522, which would require local governments to post meeting notices three business days in advance and make budget materials more accessible online and in physical form, also drew support, though a school business officials representative raised concerns about the timing language, proposed-budget wording, and taxpayer impact statements for school districts; the bill was left pending after discussion. Later, the committee heard additional pending bills, including a PUC background-check bill that would expand the commission’s authority to check current employees and contractors and obtain FBI criminal history information, HB 3805 updating money services business regulation, HB 431 extending HOA solar-panel protections to solar tiles, and HB 3228 and HB 3229 on wind and solar recycling financial assurance and recycler solvency. HB 3228 received support from a Sierra Club witness who said recycling and disposal plans are needed for end-of-life renewable energy equipment, and HB 3229 was described as requiring recyclers to show financial resources at 125 percent through a letter of credit or bond. These bills were heard and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• These tools enabled him to communicate his needs and regulate his emotions.
• Do you have water? Do you have shelter?
• of tools or resources, along with proactively teaching social emotional learning skills and self-regulation

Bills: HB1022 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HJR5 , HB6 , HB120 , HB210 , HB1458 , HB1188 , HB3126

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations

Transcript Highlights:

• it is in-home producers that produce foods, baked goods, mostly, that are very specific to some regulations
• But they're very safe foods in regard to those regulations. So, who produces them?
• They have to have a specific water value. In fact, they need to be pretty dry.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This lack of regulation means taxpayer dollars would support institutions that do not adhere to the same
• though we are the largest producer. of energy in the United States, and we may run out of drinking water
• And our homeschoolers have some of the least regulated policies. in the nation.

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are water floods.
• Student lending is highly regulated.
• So, like when we do the lines of credit for the Department of Water Resources, like when we did that
• There's water infrastructure revolving loans. There is the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.
• I mean, I honestly believe a lot of it's, especially you look at water.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee received a compliance and status update on Industrial Commission programs and the Bank of North Dakota. Staff reviewed appropriations and spending for several Industrial Commission funds and grant programs, including lignite research, oil and gas research, clean sustainable energy, grid resiliency, salt cavern analysis, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members discussed the timing of reimbursements, uncommitted balances, and the structure of the pipeline capacity and enhanced oil recovery funding. The Industrial Commission also reported on its administrative budget, grant management system project, and recent leadership transitions across several agencies. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described active grant rounds and the status of major projects. She said the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority approved three projects in its sixth round, with remaining uncommitted cash and loan capacity still available, though no new funding was appropriated this session. She also said the Oil and Gas Research Council approved six enhanced oil recovery projects and expects additional funding after a federal Department of Energy award replaces one project’s state funding. For grid resiliency grants, she said some projects have been funded, some commitments were returned or reallocated, and some DOE funds remain pending. She also updated the committee on the salt cavern business case study, which replaced an earlier larger development proposal, and on the NDSU research park grant, where the nonmatching portion was paid and the matching portion has moved slowly because the match must be in cash. Ron Ness then gave an extended presentation on enhanced oil recovery and North Dakota oil and gas trends. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, especially gas takeaway and projects like the Bakken East pipeline. He argued that enhanced oil recovery using CO2, natural gas, surfactants, and other methods could extend Bakken production for decades, but that the state needs more CO2 supply, better storage, and updated tax and regulatory incentives. Members asked about lateral lengths, CO2 availability, pipeline impacts, and the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Ness emphasized that the projects are intended to share technical learning across operators and attract follow-on investment. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and strategic update. President Don Morgan said the bank’s mission remains to support North Dakota agriculture, commerce, and industry while cooperating with the state’s financial sector. He reviewed the bank’s main business lines: participation lending with community institutions, student loans, disaster lending, mission-based programs, and a new fintech-focused effort. Morgan said deposits are flattening, so the bank is managing balance sheet growth carefully, while still reporting improved net income and strong efficiency. He also introduced Rough Rider Coin as a bank-to-bank payment rail, not a public cryptocurrency, intended to speed and modernize payments within North Dakota’s banking and credit union system. Committee members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster program use, and how credit lines and liquidity would be affected if deposits shrink.

Transcript Highlights:

• From CAF, a $1.1 million investment in upgraded water infrastructure.
• Much more quickly had it not been for the new water infrastructure.
• But we do use it for critical infrastructure investments, specifically water investments.
• have access to the best sewage and potable water.
• Water primarily drives the Governmental Gross Receipts Tax.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<01:25:20.120><c> Waters.</c> Senator Waters. Senator Waters.
• Senator Waters. Yeah, thanks, Mr. Chair.
• Senator Waters. Yeah, thanks, Mr. Chair.
• Senator<01:34:07.920><c> Waters.
• </c> Senator Waters. Yeah, thanks, Mr. Chair. Senator Waters. Yeah, thanks, Mr. Chair.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> comparisons one um uh the uh regulations comparisons one um uh the uh regulations over<00:28:30.120
• </c> has a longer history than regulations has a longer history than regulations over<00:28:36.240><c
• </c><00:28:50.320><c> in</c> amendment um included regulations in amendment um included regulations in
• </c><01:17:59.960><c> interstate</c> you'd rather regulate interstate you'd rather regulate interstate
• </c><01:59:27.440><c> the</c> some confusion HB 264 regulates the some confusion HB 264 regulates the

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the legislature has decided on numerous occasions that they do not want to water down the strength
• And the legislature has decided on numerous occasions that they do not want to water down the strength
• just urge caution and appreciate the sponsor's willingness to work with us in those sorts of rough waters
• We are past the point of what we need to be as regulated by HIPAA.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the water runs through their farms and into surrounding counties.
• EPA, providing examples of where sewage was overflowing, and they ended up with a consent decree. water
• it goes through through our farms water it goes through through our farms and<00:06:52.560><c> into<
• authorizes the auditor of public accounts to establish certain criteria by promulgating administrative regulations

Committee: Senate State & Local Government

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:06 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 SB 53 Discussion: 01:54 SB 53 Vote: 09:09 SB 192 Discussion: 10:15 SB 192 Vote: 13:42 HB 290 Discussion: 15:02 HB 290 Vote: 16:08 HB 314 Discussion: 16:45 HB 314 Vote: 19:38 Adjournment: 21:32, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Regulations relating to the adoption of an increase in a current development fee.
• for development, ensuring that growth is paying for the necessary public services, streets, roads, water
• for development, ensuring that growth is paying for the necessary public services, streets, roads, water
• We don't shift those costs on to it. water wastewater public safety facilities and so we don't shift

Bills: HB2107 , HB2588 , HB2946 , HB2950

Committee: House Rural Economic Development

Keywords: SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA

Transcript Highlights:

• There was water 4.5 ft to 5 ft deep in that building downtown.
• We do have swift water rescue from the National Guard. They have been very good to help us now.
• In high water, so we're we're doing better, but you know, thank you all and uh you know please if you
• didn't anticipate when I moved into this role in the sense that because our students know how to self-regulate

Transcript Highlights:

• They are first responders, they clear debris, repair infrastructure, restore vital water, electric and
• The state already estimates that by 2040, our water supplies anticipated to be decreased by 10% statewide
• actually retard the land movement and bring it back to historic norms Um, which is removing a lot of the water
• I think that's a good one. you know, how to put this into, you know, some sort of regulation and law,

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It made long overdue investments in our roads, bridges, and railways. ports, drinking water, wastewater
• Due to stormwater and contamination in our drinking water.
• So it's possible to do these things when we have relief from regulations.
• will see that traditionally, utilities that are part of our projects that we all get involved in for water

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act further regulating fentanyl test strips, Senate Number 1057.
• test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl and its analogs in drug samples that are dissolved in water
• test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl and its analogs in drug samples that are dissolved in water

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with unanimous adoption of resolutions congratulating two Eagle Scouts. It then advanced several local and special acts, including measures on Machado-Joseph disease awareness day, the Ipswich senior tax referral program, Swampscott conservation commission appointments, protections for individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs, continued employment in Brookfield, Marblehead parking fines, Natick’s home rule charter, and Boston affordable housing/branch library space. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees. The Senate enacted House bills authorizing additional wine and malt beverage licenses in Lexington and a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Melrose. It also passed Senate Bill 2603 on affordable car rentals after adopting an amendment; supporters said the bill would reduce rental costs by changing Massachusetts’ rental car insurance rules to align with most other states. Senate Bill 1057 on fentanyl test strips was also passed to be engrossed after Senator Creem argued the bill would expand access to a low-cost overdose prevention tool and save lives. Senator Moore then spoke in support of expanding Nikki’s Law to cover MassHealth day habilitation programs, describing the bill as a needed protection for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. A major portion of the meeting focused on House 4530, a FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing $234 million for hospitals and community health centers. Senators discussed the Health Safety Net shortfall, rising health care costs, underinsurance, and federal reimbursement; Ways and Means explained that about $93 million was expected back in federal financial participation, making the net state cost about $140 million. The Senate also took up House 4531 on the 2026 state primary election date, rejecting an amendment before passing the bill to engrossment. The chamber later adopted emergency preambles for House 4530 and House 4531, and all three final bills—Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day, the supplemental budget, and the primary election date bill—were enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate adjourned in memory of Ricardo Barbosa after a memorial statement by Senator Miranda.

Transcript Highlights:

• assumes that the entity has conformed its protections and actions according to state law and state regulations
• Senate Bill 1930 provides the practical framework that reflects how produced water is handled today while
• This bill does not amend or reopen the Oil and Gas Produced Water Act.

Bills: SB44 , SB546 , SB1213 , SB1256 , SB1287 , SB1443 , SB1644 , SB1653 , SB1716 , SB1209 , SB1826 , SB1919 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB2028 , SB2067 , SB2072 , SB2117 , SB710 , SB1477 , SB1405

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the daily prayer and pledges, introduced the Doctor of the Day, and welcomed several student and guest groups to the gallery. The chamber also laid over a few agenda items before moving through a long general order calendar of bills, most of them explained briefly by their authors and then advanced without objection to final passage. Measures passed included SB 44 on extending sales tax exemption treatment to contractors working for certain exempt entities; SB 546 on biometric data and controlled dangerous substance-related changes; SB 1213 on Department of Corrections inmate credit levels; SB 1256 requiring ignition interlock devices for repeat DUI bond situations; SB 1287 on abstractor licensing eligibility; SB 1443 on anesthetist physical status modifiers with an amendment excluding Medicaid plans; SB 1644 adding a reportable disease; SB 1653 joining the occupational therapy licensure compact; SB 1716 updating security breach notification rules and limiting class actions; SB 1826 removing a sunset from the local development and enterprise zone incentive leverage act; SB 1919 increasing the Tourism Development Act cap; SB 1930 on produced water handling and compensation; SB 1976 creating a tiered surety plan for small producers and then being adopted as an emergency; SB 2028 on raw milk advertising and labeling, also passed as an emergency; SB 2067 on financial institutions helping protect vulnerable adults from scams; SB 2072 on deed fraud and title theft; SB 2117 on contaminated grain authority and emergency treatment; SB 710 on teacher pathway pilot flexibility; SB 1477 restricting concurrent enrollment to traditional high school students and passed as an emergency; and SB 1405 reauthorizing the wildlife diversity income tax checkoff. The only bill to draw notable floor debate was SB 1209, which was reconsidered after initially failing, sent back to general order, and then passed 26-18. Supporters said it would reduce delays in eviction proceedings by excluding Sundays and holidays from summons timing, while opponents argued it would mainly help tenants who are already behind and burden small landlords. Senator Pugh later noted a personal-interest abstention on that vote. Several other bills passed with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous, and some were designated emergency measures after final passage. The Senate concluded with announcements about upcoming events, including a reception, a visit from the Christian Employer Association, and the Bible reading marathon, and then adjourned until Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The water infrastructure delta for the 10-state Mississippi River corridor alone is $40 billion.
• This is not confined to water infrastructure, broadband deployment, electricity generation, or energy
• other taxes that are imposed that really are pretty much beyond the ability of the budget process to regulate

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs held public hearings on three measures. House Bill 2289, sponsored by Rep. Owen, would create a real estate fund to let the state more quickly sell and buy property, with proceeds from sales and other monies deposited for future real property acquisitions. Rep. Owen and Office of Administration witness Hanna-Swan said the current process is too slow and cumbersome, especially when the state needs to consolidate or relocate offices; Rep. Walshmore raised concerns about siloing funds during tight budget years, while supporters said the fund would improve flexibility and efficiency. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 189, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, proposing a Missouri sovereign wealth fund, or “Show Me Prosperity Fund.” Wellenkamp argued the state needs a long-term investment vehicle to address infrastructure and fiscal pressures, with the Treasurer investing in private markets under strict controls and the fund eventually replacing tax revenue once it matures. Members questioned the source of initial funding, the investment rules, the audit provisions, and whether the fund could be used for broader state spending; no witnesses testified in opposition or support, and no action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2906, sponsored by Rep. Mayhew, which would raise dollar limits for certain Office of Administration construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair contracts and authorize master agreements for architecture, engineering, and land surveying services. Mayhew and OA said the changes would account for inflation and reduce delays by prequalifying vendors for two-year periods instead of repeating the RFQ process for small projects. An engineering industry witness supported the bill as an efficiency measure, and committee members asked about the contract limits, the master agreement structure, and how the numbers were chosen. The hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I see this as just an expansion of regulation and expansion of what we need to make people do that
• We have water and sewer infrastructure that has not been updated.
• because of a county highway, and our county actually gives to the state to build the highways, the water

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So are there also state environmental regulations that have to be followed on top of NEPA, like SEPA?
• Waters: Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass. Anyone wishing to change your vote?

Bills: HB2684 , HJM4012

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs, 904, all