Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5609 protects places that hold meaning for tribal members for generations.
• Senate Bill 5609, House Protect Places that hold meanings for tribal members for generations.
• Site surveys are a general reconnaissance to see if you can come up with anything that might lead you
• And since this committee doesn't generally deal with property and casualty insurance issues, we would
• You mentioned both Attorney General enforcement and a private right of action.

Bills: SB5609, SB6284

Keywords: cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, artificial intelligence, consumer protection, regulation, data privacy, technological impacts, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miller: It depends on how it is defined in general law and some of those things will be clarified in
• Are you going to go into statute and change how they are able to generate revenue?
• So how are they going to generate $200 million? Chair Duggan: Asked and answered. Rep.
• It's protecting the revenue generation but it is not providing for expense escalations.
• Where are they going to generate the revenues? Think about how many people rent in your county.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government will now
• This projection is based upon the FY 26 ad valorem that was generated.
• The $131 million in district-generated revenue, $125 million of that is generated through ad valorem
• And how close are you generally? On projections versus actual? Oh, well, you know, like Mr.
• And how close are you generally? On projections versus actual. Oh, well, you know, like Mr.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work. Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions. Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So any other resolution to a 9-1-1 call generally does...
• So any other resolution to a 9-1-1 call generally does...
• So any other resolution to a 9-1-1 call generally doesn't generate income for EMS providers.
• No, I'm talking about the bill that's generated by the ambulance company that transported.
• So we've seen more fires and larger fires in general. We evacuated the town of Paradise.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules convened with quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair and membership appointments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 Senate holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes. The committee then heard confirmation testimony from Hernando Garzon, M.D., nominated as Chief Medical Officer of the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Senators asked about EMSA’s strategic plan, data integration, local flexibility in statewide standards, ambulance patient offload regulations, stakeholder engagement, disaster response, rural access, and alternatives to transporting 9-1-1 callers to emergency departments. Garzon emphasized data-driven decision-making, technical assistance to local EMS agencies, collaboration with hospitals and providers, and the use of community paramedicine, telehealth, and pre-positioned resources in disasters. Public commenters and members supported his confirmation, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for referral to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. She described her tribal background, prior state, county, tribal, and nonprofit experience, and her focus on serving communities facing health disparities. Senators questioned her about how the office sets priorities, measures outcomes, balances equity work amid political opposition to DEI language, and tailors technical assistance to rural and tribal communities. Weldon pointed to work on tribal consultation, behavioral health, youth mental health, the California Reducing Disparities Project, gender-affirming care, reproductive health, housing and climate-related supports, and community advisory boards. Numerous public witnesses, including tribal and health equity advocates, spoke in strong support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2674 seeks to protect that freedom for future generations.
• I'm Eric Bentley, Vice Chancellor and General Counsel for Texas Tech University System.
• I'm the Deputy General Counsel at the A&M System, Office of General Counsel.
• I guess you guys, you have a general counsel, you should probably know a lot about it.
• This generation is worth it. More than what big tech is making off of them. Thank you.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee had a general fund target in fiscal years 26 and 27 of a $50 million cut and a $175 million
• That amount is inclusive of a general fund cut in 26 and 27 of $3.4 million, and in 28 and 29 of $5.1
• Chair Beerman, members of the committee, the health board's net impact to the general fund is $350,000
• Line 1414 is our general fund cost track for the non-opioid directives authorization.
• House File 1379, line 1418, is our cost out of the general fund track at the Minnesota Department of

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• There were a lot of mistakes made, and unfortunately, the general population has been impacted by the
• I have a general distrust. Um, I'm not convinced that it actually did help people.
• So I have a general distrust of the CDC and of the people telling us that this stuff is actually, uh,
• Over the past 28 years, we've generated thousands of jobs and attracted millions in private investment
• You might recall that is why we have targeted funding on general medical education slots for medical

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, recommending beneficial changes to our laws and mentoring the next generation of legal minds.
• On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued the General Order Number
• It's the ceremonial site for our annual reading of General Order Number 3.
• Brought joy, unity, and economic vitality to Gulf Coast for for generations.
• Assign the General Land Office to coordinate planning and development of the trail.

Bills: HCR6

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I wanted to give you the general, and I'm gonna...
• and excess general liability.
• But that's generally what's happening in TWIA, and we're writing.
• David Durden, General Manager, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
• I'm General Counsel.

Bills: HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• General fund resources to support program integrity enhancements, modernization of the child welfare
• As a result, the net Impact to the general fund for fiscal years 25 through 27 is a savings of $16.5
• It also cancels two and a half million dollars to the general fund.
• Generally speaking, that support amount would be 25% of their net income.
• This might generate that, considering, well, five fines in a single day would generate an extra of, what

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Representative Feist is going to move House File 104, um, that it be placed on the general register
• It'll go to the general register. Obviously, we're divided.
• The motion prevails, and the bill is on its way to the general register.
• c><00:18:15.919><c> register</c><00:18:16.400><c> and</c><00:18:16.600><c> representative</c> the general
• register and representative the general register and representative Feist<00:18:17.360><c> Clos</c><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it was the adjutant general that testified on a couple weeks ago.
• General. Thank you for being here General. Yes, good morning.
• your names organization and For the record, I'm Brigadier General Andrew Camacho.
• I'm the Deputy Adjutant General for the Texas – Deputy Adjutant General. air for the Texas Military Department
• Any other questions for General Camacho? Thank you for being here as a resource witness.

Bills: HB39, HB227, HB930, HB 1078, HB39, HB227

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration

Transcript Highlights:

• Those other stages are where the symptomatic medications are generally used. Okay.
• I think she's been overly generous in listening to me talk her ear off about our concerns.
• So I’m not sure you’re familiar with brand and generic medications.
• That’s the difference between a brand and a generic. In a biosimilar, just as Dr.
• So we see this today with different types of generic and brand products.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I would say I agree generally with your factual portrayal.
• Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy described us as a lonely nation.
• Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy described us as a lonely nation. General Dr.
• I'm the General Manager of Boston Neighborhood Network.
• I'm the General Manager of Boston Neighborhood Network.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• He had a general question.
• Part 132 under the statutory authority for the adjutant general to make rules.
• So I'll give some general information, and then if you want more specific, Dr.
• So that's kind of our general rule?
• You know, they generally get home that night, that type of thing.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under theater as was pointed out earlier, from the attorney general, Tish James.
• This budget bill is the Public Protection and General Government bill.
• Sued the inspector general. At meetings, they curse at the state monitor. They demean him.
• Generation.
• GENERATIONS BECAUSE YOU HAD THE COURAGE TO MAKE YOUR WAY HERE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care. The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies. The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are ordered generally by Non-state projects, these are ordered generally by how big they are in
• That’s even some self-generated funds that the agencies provide.
• But generally, we want to have at least 5 or 6%.
• I kind of want to ask some general questions.
• While we’re asking questions, just a general question.

Summary: The committee met for an informational hearing focused largely on the state capital outlay process and House Bill 2. Roger Husser and Matt Baker of the Division of Administration/Facility Planning and Control described how the office prepares and administers the capital outlay bill, said the bill has grown substantially over five years, and argued that recent changes in culture, staffing, project management, cash-flow analysis, and use of third-party support have more than doubled project expenditures and improved delivery. Members asked about the use and cost of third-party project managers, delegation of smaller projects to agencies, hiring difficulties, and whether the changes represented better interpretation of existing law versus statutory changes. Husser said some statutes were amended, some internal customs were removed, and the office would provide a list of those changes. He also explained that the office is trying to move away from overly rigid practices and toward faster project completion while still following public-bid and oversight rules. A major portion of the discussion centered on the size and structure of the capital outlay bill, especially the gap between Priority 1 cash capacity and the much larger Priority 5 backlog. Husser said the current annual Priority 1 limit is tied to construction inflation and is about $574 million, with additional surplus funds also available, but that the bill contains far more Priority 5 funding than can realistically move in a five-year plan. He and members discussed dormant projects, scope creep, legacy projects that have sat in the bill for years, and the problem of false expectations for non-state entities. Proposed solutions included limiting Priority 5 to five times Priority 1, requiring annual re-endorsement by members, setting district or project caps for non-state projects, requiring time limits and reporting for grant-like non-state projects, placing matches in escrow, requiring design readiness before submission, and consolidating the many existing reporting requirements into one clearer report. Members also discussed bundling multiple projects under one agency project, which the House had begun piloting for LSU, UL Lafayette, Southern, and DOTD, and which Husser said could improve flexibility, reduce overappropriation, and better reflect actual spending. Baker then explained cash-flow management and the commitment process, saying FPC now analyzes projects annually to estimate what can actually be spent in the next fiscal year and uses commitments to allow projects to proceed when future-year funding is expected. He said overappropriations can result from poor cash-flow estimates, delays, dormant projects, or projects coming in under budget, and that the office is already reworking cash-flow assumptions and reappropriating savings where possible. Members also raised concerns about change orders and low bids; staff said project managers review change orders closely, require concurrence on non-state projects, and sometimes reduce scope to keep projects within budget. After FPC’s presentation, the committee heard the beginning of Louisiana Economic Development’s capital outlay discussion, where LED explained that its projects generally fall into three categories, including the Economic Development Awards Program and Site Readiness Program, both used to support targeted economic development and job creation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, generally, I do not support those when they come to this legislature.
• Uh generally, I do not support actions.
• Uh generally, I do not support those<00:04:53.480><c> uh</c><00:04:53.640><c> when</c><00:04:53.800><
• </c><00:19:22.000><c> population</c> comparable to the general population comparable to the general population
• I think this bill really is in line with what the General Assembly did at the last session when they

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the general registry. the general registry.
• </c><00:59:01.599><c> So,</c> the general register and get passed.
• So, the general register and get passed.
• So in a general as one that was elected.
• <01:09:28.000><c> election</c> general election general election with<01:09:30.159><c> the</c><01:09:

Bills: HF1667, HF2526, HF68

Keywords: correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly of the State of General Assembly of the State of Colorado.
• Thank you, Madam Speaker, and thank you, members of the 75th General Assembly.
• General Assembly and in the year of our General Assembly and in the year of our 150th<01:20:55.840><c
• </c> floor with the chambers of the general floor with the chambers of the general assembly<01:50:25.280
• </c> diminishing the respect, the general diminishing the respect, the general assembly<01:52:52.239>

Keywords: 981, all