Transcript Highlights:

• rental assistance and eviction diversion, eviction diversion should be deleted because there's a companion

Committee: Senate Government Affairs

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand, having looked back, that the Senate companion to the NISCA bill was introduced in the Senate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Court Administration and are already included in Representative Leach's companion bill.

Bills: SB1888 , SB3003 , SB2417 , SB2459 , SB3055 , HB1393 , HB2884 , SB2943

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• to the court lease, so I wasn't sure if the process would be augmented by a rulemaking kind of a companion
• uh</c><01:23:39.159><c> kind</c><01:23:39.280><c> of</c><01:23:39.400><c> a</c><01:23:39.600><c> companion
• </c><01:23:40.600><c> um</c> rulemaking uh kind of a companion um rulemaking uh kind of a companion um

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.

Transcript Highlights:

• Three, not making it past AI software when you apply to get your resume looked at by a hiring manager
• Three, not making it past AI software when you apply to get your resume looked at by a hiring manager

Bills: HF45 , HF1148 , HF3624 , HF3586 , HF777

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF45, Lake Benton, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Public Facilities Authority, public infrastructure, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, utility replacement, U.S. Highway 75, road reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, local government grant, Minnesota bonding, capital appropriation, food insecurity, prepared meals

Transcript Highlights:

• There are several resolutions coming up on Friday that call for the state to diversify using AI manufacturing
• <01:04:43.599><c> to</c><01:04:43.839><c> diversify</c><01:04:44.520><c> using</c><01:04:45.039><c> AI

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even AI is another side of it, right? That is doing the same thing.
• Even AI is another side of it, right? That is doing the same thing.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are excited about the possibility, especially of using AI and other advanced analytics in partnership
• We are excited about the possibility, especially of using AI and other advanced analytics in partnership

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• also heard announced a recommendation from the governor's budget recommendation for a pilot for an AI
• have identified for that purpose to ensure they have the right resources to identify that and that AI

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these got but it also should be some of these got but it also should be some of these got a house companion
• that's sitting in a house companion that's sitting in a house companion that's sitting in these committees

Bills: SJR 59 , SCR 30 , SCR 46 , SB 31 , SB 127 , SB 324 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 506 , SB 529 , SB 584 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 646 , SB 647 , SB 659 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 735 , SB 771 , SB 784 , SB 800 , SB 801 , SB 816 , SB 1013 , SB 1026 , SB 1049 , SB 1055 , SB 1065 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1181 , SB 1383 , SB 1395 , SB 1410 , SB 1433 , SB 1524 , SB 1531 , SB 1568 , SB 1640 , SB 1666 , SB 1681 , SB 1718 , SB 1754 , SB 1757 , SB 1972 , SB 1980 , SB 2004 , SB 2007 , SB 2041 , SB 2046 , SB 2050 , SB 2075 , SB 2076 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2206 , SB 2225 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2306 , SB 2308 , SB 2314 , SB 2322 , SB 2330 , SB 2351 , SB 2366 , SB 2371 , SB 2392 , SB 2398 , SB 2476 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2544 , SB 2589 , SB 2610 , SB 2623 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 2693 , SB 2707 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2753 , SB 2779 , SB 2807 , SB 2843 , SB 2844 , SB 2858 , SB 2877 , SB 2880 , SB 2885 , SB 2920 , SB 2938 , SB 2986 , HJR 4 , HCR 35 , SJR 3 , SJR 18 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 914 , SB 963 , SB 1197 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SCR 30 , SCR 3 , SB 2023 , SB 1433 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 407 , SB 1718 , SB 1395 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 2253 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2314 , SB 2046 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 1524 , SB 1137 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2681 , SB 2200 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 2458 , SB 2201 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2533 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 647 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 2366 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2371 , SB 2383 , SB 646 , SB 1169 , SB 1754 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 2119 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 2615 , SB 1049 , SB 2310 , SB 1224 , SB 2972 , SB 1568 , SB 2841 , SB 2885 , SB 3016 , SB 2858 , SB 2610 , SB 2139 , SB 1856 , SB 2035 , SB 2308 , SB 2306 , SB 2041 , SB 1528 , SB 1681 , SB 1141 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2375 , SB 547 , SB 1266 , SB 1373 , SB 1467 , SB 2069 , SB 2269 , SB 2480 , SB 2544 , SB 672 , SB 904 , SB 2695 , SB 2891 , SB 2422 , SB 2543 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 2925 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 457 , SB 2357 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , HCR 35 , HCR 64 , SB 2721 , SB 243 , SB 1285 , SB 2568 , SB 1959 , SB 1442 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 2541 , SB 1708 , SB 1237 , SB 1844 , SB 1586 , SB 1 , SB 260 , SB 31 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 647 , SB 732 , SB 816 , SB 1055 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 2004 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2314 , SB 2351 , SB 2371 , SB 2623 , SB 2722 , SB 2779 , SB 2920 , HJR 4 , SB 407 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1718 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 619 , SB 646 , SB 1026 , SB 2742 , SB 2880 , SR 443 , SR 449 , SR 456 , SR 460 , SR 465 , SCR 46 , SB 260 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410

Keywords: education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment

Transcript Highlights:

• these got but it also should be some of these got but it also should be some of these got a house companion
• that's sitting in a house companion that's sitting in a house companion that's sitting in these committees

Bills: SJR 59 , SCR 30 , SCR 46 , SB 31 , SB 127 , SB 324 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 506 , SB 529 , SB 584 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 646 , SB 647 , SB 659 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 735 , SB 771 , SB 784 , SB 800 , SB 801 , SB 816 , SB 1013 , SB 1026 , SB 1049 , SB 1055 , SB 1065 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1181 , SB 1383 , SB 1395 , SB 1410 , SB 1433 , SB 1524 , SB 1531 , SB 1568 , SB 1640 , SB 1666 , SB 1681 , SB 1718 , SB 1754 , SB 1757 , SB 1972 , SB 1980 , SB 2004 , SB 2007 , SB 2041 , SB 2046 , SB 2050 , SB 2075 , SB 2076 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2206 , SB 2225 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2306 , SB 2308 , SB 2314 , SB 2322 , SB 2330 , SB 2351 , SB 2366 , SB 2371 , SB 2392 , SB 2398 , SB 2476 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2544 , SB 2589 , SB 2610 , SB 2623 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 2693 , SB 2707 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2753 , SB 2779 , SB 2807 , SB 2843 , SB 2844 , SB 2858 , SB 2877 , SB 2880 , SB 2885 , SB 2920 , SB 2938 , SB 2986 , HJR 4 , HCR 35 , SJR 3 , SJR 18 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 914 , SB 963 , SB 1197 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SCR 30 , SCR 3 , SB 2023 , SB 1433 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 407 , SB 1718 , SB 1395 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 2253 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2314 , SB 2046 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 1524 , SB 1137 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2681 , SB 2200 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 2458 , SB 2201 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2533 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 647 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 2366 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2371 , SB 2383 , SB 646 , SB 1169 , SB 1754 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 2119 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 2615 , SB 1049 , SB 2310 , SB 1224 , SB 2972 , SB 1568 , SB 2841 , SB 2885 , SB 3016 , SB 2858 , SB 2610 , SB 2139 , SB 1856 , SB 2035 , SB 2308 , SB 2306 , SB 2041 , SB 1528 , SB 1681 , SB 1141 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2375 , SB 547 , SB 1266 , SB 1373 , SB 1467 , SB 2069 , SB 2269 , SB 2480 , SB 2544 , SB 672 , SB 904 , SB 2695 , SB 2891 , SB 2422 , SB 2543 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 2925 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 457 , SB 2357 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , HCR 35 , HCR 64 , SB 2721 , SB 243 , SB 1285 , SB 2568 , SB 1959 , SB 1442 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 2541 , SB 1708 , SB 1237 , SB 1844 , SB 1586 , SB 1 , SB 260 , SB 31 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 647 , SB 732 , SB 816 , SB 1055 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 2004 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2314 , SB 2351 , SB 2371 , SB 2623 , SB 2722 , SB 2779 , SB 2920 , HJR 4 , SB 407 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1718 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 619 , SB 646 , SB 1026 , SB 2742 , SB 2880 , SR 443 , SR 449 , SR 456 , SR 460 , SR 465 , SCR 46 , SB 260 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410

Keywords: education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is turning into what you could consider an AI model that can help you predict and use once it continues

Committee: Joint Health Care Committee

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI will make sure of it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• are secured, segregated from the public record, preventing harmful disclosures due to human error or AI

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's AI, you know, just so you know, that's what does that.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI is obviously something that is becoming more pervasive in everyday life.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state domestically and abroad, witnessed a technology shift here in the chamber that involves Zoom, AI

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Fisher to encourage the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to incorporate AI

Bills: HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , SCR31 , SCR33 , SCR35 , SCR37 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SB171 , SB251 , SB252 , SB353 , SB367 , SB433 , SB461 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB454 , HB455 , HB484 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB793 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB947 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SCR2 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , SB233 , SB326 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1191 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , HCR32 , HB955 , HB284 , HB617 , HB730 , HB926 , HB1125 , HB1194 , HB1203 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB646 , HB824 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89 , SB68 , SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Center, and recognized a number of visiting groups and observances, including AMI Kids, Mother’s Day, the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network, Municipal Day for the Louisiana Municipal Association, Recreation and Parks Association Day, St. John Day, Hoopla basketball activities, Main Street program participants, Leadership North Shore, the Lack of Seeing High School basketball team, Literacy Champion recognition, Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodford, and LACE Day for chamber executives. Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the chamber, praising recent economic investment in Louisiana, coastal restoration funding, and the state’s improved national reputation. The House received Senate messages and Legislative Bureau reports on numerous Senate bills, many of which were referred to committee or laid over, and several House and Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, largely commemorative or study-related measures. The chamber then took up several House bills in regular order. HB 89, concerning district attorney retiree health insurance coverage in the Third Judicial District, was amended and passed 87-5. HB 451, dealing with ATC notice procedures, passed 98-0 after technical amendments. HB 456, revising workers’ compensation petition requirements and allowing employers broader access to disputed claims, drew extended debate over whether it would burden injured workers; it passed 67-30. HB 579, expanding the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights and related confidentiality and complaint provisions, passed 98-0. HB 595, requiring local authorities to respond timely to permit-related matters affecting natural resource development, passed 92-3. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy components and updating waste rules, passed 99-0. HB 818, requiring school systems to publish annual assessment schedules and related testing information, passed 98-0. Additional bills considered included HB 841, creating a code of conduct for landmen negotiating pipeline easements and authorizing penalties for bad-faith conduct, which passed 98-0; HB 1060, establishing a two-year domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District with coordinated services and data collection, which passed 86-13; and HB 1101, a workers’ compensation measure defining maximum medical improvement, adjusting benefit durations, and addressing misrepresentation and fraud, which was under debate at the end of the excerpt. Throughout the floor session, members repeatedly emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify procedures, improve transparency, or address public safety and economic development, while opponents of some measures raised concerns about added burdens on workers or injured claimants.