Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, well, a good idea may not be the time for it.
• You all remember it well.
• or have that same concern as well.
• On drilling new wells. On drilling new wells, yeah.
• On drilling new wells. On drilling new wells, yeah.

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met on March 10, 2026, for a series of informational presentations rather than bill hearings. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the state’s tax structure, the 2024 third special session tax reform package, and the Revenue Estimating Conference process. They explained the move to a 3% flat individual income tax, a 5.5% flat corporate income tax, the higher standard deduction and retirement-income exclusion, the repeal of several deductions and credits, the repeal of the corporate franchise tax, and the expansion of the sales tax base to certain digital goods. Staff also walked through tax exemption data, showing the size of exemptions relative to collections, and discussed forecasted revenue gaps in the out years, including the effect of the scheduled sales tax rate reduction and the return of transportation-related revenues to their prior dedication. Members asked about declining mineral revenues, digital sales tax collections, corporate collections, and the impact of tax credits and exemptions. Division of Administration and Legislative Fiscal Office staff said lower oil and gas prices, long-term production declines, and the timing of corporate payments were major factors in revenue trends, and that it will take at least another year or two of tax returns to fully understand the reform’s effects. They emphasized that corporate collections are still below the $600 million threshold that affects the state general fund and Revenue Stabilization Fund, though the forecast remains $900 million. The committee also discussed surplus and excess revenues, the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending, and how current-year and prior-year balances are allocated under the constitution. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the relationship between Ways and Means and Appropriations. Chairman McFarland stressed that new fiscal-note bills can force cuts elsewhere if revenue is not available, and urged members to coordinate early with fiscal staff before advancing costly legislation. Members also asked how pending constitutional amendments on teacher pay and inventory tax might affect the budget; staff said the teacher stipend proposal is not currently funded in the executive budget and that the inventory tax proposal would mainly affect local governments and any reimbursements from the Revenue Stabilization Fund if approved. The committee then heard from Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bouchoux, who reported strong results from recent reforms, including $92 billion in capital investment, 37,000 new jobs, a record year of announcements, a top-10 corporate tax climate ranking, and a pipeline of 189 active projects representing nearly 42,000 potential jobs and $280 billion in potential investment. Members praised LED’s work and discussed the need to pair economic development with workforce training, infrastructure, and predictable tax policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, well, if this guy's collecting the tax, they assume the others are as well.
• Well, it depends on how they're doing things now.
• So I ask that you please support it as well. Thank you.
• So I ask that you please support it as well. Thank you.
• Impact to EDR or FTB operations, as well as to taxpayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I appreciate you driving all night.
• I think Senator Adams said it well.
• Well, I'm not a grazing rights expert.
• Well, I have two main concerns.
• I want the land to be managed well. ...I want the land to be managed well.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I'm just concerned about the consequences.
• Well, there are limits to those, right?
• Well, let me ask... Well, let me answer that. That wouldn't be a good compliment.
• Well, I'll tell you what.
• Well, I appreciate you taking my questions.

Bills: SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 14 , SB 16 , SB 18 , SB 34 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB1 , SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB4

Transcript Highlights:

• We do it on the front end as well.
• We're doing well in the southern part of the state.
• We're doing well in the southern part of the state.
• We've been recognized for it as well.
• . entice people to work there and retain workers as well.

Summary: The Justice Budget Committee heard detailed presentations from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on staffing, services, and budget needs. DJJ Secretary Hall emphasized that the agency’s main public safety strategy is education, along with prevention and recidivism reduction. He described major staffing improvements after pay increases for probation, detention, residential care, and prevention workers, and outlined DJJ’s mental health, aftercare, and education continuum, including the Florida Scholars Academy and Florida Youth College. He said the new statewide education model is showing early gains in progress monitoring, high school graduation, and postsecondary enrollment, while also noting ongoing operational issues such as IT connectivity, rural staffing gaps, and the need for geographic pay adjustments for teachers. He also discussed detention center replacement plans in Hillsborough, Broward, and Palm Beach, and said DJJ would transition the Broward JAC to a security contractor after the sheriff’s office pulls sworn officers from the site. Members asked about campus performance differences, teacher pay, detention education quality, and concerns about the rollout and leadership of the Scholars Academy. Hall said some campuses face rural access and infrastructure problems, but the blended learning model provides continuity when internet or staffing issues arise. He defended the superintendent’s qualifications and said early problems with inappropriate online content were addressed. Representative Porras raised concerns about educational quality and the superintendent’s past disciplinary history, while Representative Barrera urged more mentorship and fatherhood-focused programming in juvenile facilities. DOC Secretary Dixon said the prison system is under pressure from rising inmate populations, staffing shortages, and overtime costs. He argued that the system needs funded posts for every functioning housing unit, noting that the department has added housing units without enough staff and now relies heavily on overtime, mobile officer deployments, and shift conversions to keep facilities operating safely. He highlighted that many officers are new, that outside-hospital transports have risen sharply, and that mental health units require additional staffing. DOC’s mental health chief described a large and growing treatment system with outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and court-ordered services, saying about a quarter of the prison population has a diagnosed mental illness. Community corrections staff described treatment programs, employment specialists, mobile probation and reentry units, and a new mental health first aid training initiative. Reentry staff reported expanded substance abuse, education, CTE, chaplaincy, and digital learning programs, including Edovo and a forthcoming Work Bay platform. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> various reporting requirements as well. various reporting requirements as well.
• </c> close the gates, and it works very well close the gates, and it works very well for<00:38:42.000
• ,</c><01:11:33.679><c> it's</c> open-minded, but I'm like, well, it's open-minded, but I'm like, well
• Well, let's go ahead.
• &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, I<01:40:26.639><c> Let's</c><01:40:26.880><c> go</c><01:

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the Mott. >> I. >> Voting is closed.
• It started well before that.
• Well, come on FOX.
• Other checks are made as well.
• Well, come out... Well, come on. Folks, no.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> laid it out um well. laid it out um well.
• You as well.
• ,</c> new well, new well, municipal<01:06:21.480><c> well,</c><01:06:21.800><c> and</c><01:06:21.960>
• the<01:06:23.280><c> existing</c><01:06:23.800><c> well,</c> the existing well, the existing well, uh
• Well, thank you.

Bills: HF4710 , HF4055 , HF3848 , HF3989 , HF4599 , HF3767 , HF3592 , HF3575 , HF3574 , HF3543 , HF4606 , HF4489 , HF3891 , HF3438 , HF3811 , HF3400

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I think we go on.
• It's done well.
• Well, this piece doesn't work as well because we didn't address this piece.
• Well, thank you for that. And, let's. I think you're the fourth Well, thank you for that.
• The providers do as well.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:25.160><c> respected</c><00:02:25.920><c> and</c> well respected and well respected and glad<00
• Oh,<00:02:41.320><c> well.</c><00:02:41.920><c> Well.</c> Oh, well. Well. Oh, well. Well.
• Well, why don't you Okay. Okay.
• Kearny has a response as<01:18:49.240><c> well.</c> as well. as well.
• </c> inviting comments as well as questions. inviting comments as well as questions.

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, according to the U.S.
• Well, thank you, Director. I appreciate it.
• Well, I don't know. Yes. Terrific.
• We have as well with SBDCs.
• Well, thank you so much for your presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:00.320><c> Well,</c><00:23:00.720><c> I</c> died. So, what does that do? Well, I died.
• </c> commissioner would say all right well commissioner would say all right well we'll<00:33:37.919><
• Well, I think that is true of anything.
• Well, I think that is true of anything.
• Well, I think that is true of anything.

Summary: The committee held a work session on House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. Representative Comtois explained her amendment, saying she tried to address prior concerns by limiting the number processed monthly, adding a registration and disclaimer requirement, and folding beef, swine, sheep, and goats into the bill’s framework. Members discussed whether some sections from earlier language on bison, elk, and red deer had been inadvertently struck, and Comtois said she did not intend to remove those protections and would restore them if needed. Several members raised drafting and policy concerns. Representative Miner suggested the waiver language should be a signed, notarized statement kept on file rather than filed with the Department of Agriculture, and Comtois agreed. Representative Gruber and Representative Scully discussed labeling and wording, including clarifying that the meat would not be “exempt” from federal inspection in the same way as non-amenable species, and adding language that any prosecution would be federal rather than state. There was also discussion about whether ground meat should be included for the amenable species, with Miner and Comtois indicating that excluding ground meat would reduce risk. Commissioner Sean Jasper of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food testified strongly against the bill, saying it was a step in the wrong direction, lacked consumer protections, and could jeopardize food safety and the state’s meat processing system. He argued that the federal exemption for non-amenable species could not simply be extended to new species by state law, warned that USDA could respond by withdrawing federal inspections, and said the bill would not solve the real bottlenecks in slaughter capacity. He also said he did not believe there was a general shortage of inspectors, and that the practical issue was producers not scheduling animals year-round, which forces facilities to scale to the slow season. No vote was taken during the work session, and members continued discussing possible amendments and wording changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um as well as clinical in the facility.
• , the juveniles as well.
• , the juveniles as well.
• </c><00:38:32.480><c> that,</c> Elsie has mentioned this as well that, Elsie has mentioned this as well
• </c> started negotiating with with Well Path? started negotiating with with Well Path?

Summary: The committee met to hear updates from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on two related issues: a proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility and medical services contracts, including the impact of Wellpath’s bankruptcy proceedings. At the start, the chair agreed to hear the Department of Corrections first so members could get context on the medical contract before turning to DJJ’s proposal. DOC officials said Wellpath, the department’s comprehensive medical and mental health provider since 2013, was awarded its current contract through a 2021 procurement process. They reported that Wellpath’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan had been confirmed and that the company had transitioned ownership to lenders, but had not yet fully completed the bankruptcy process. DOC said there had been no service lapses, no reduction in care, and no known impact on Kentucky vendors or hospitals, and that DOC staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether the committee had been kept informed and whether the bankruptcy could affect future services or subcontractors. DJJ then presented its concept for a high-acuity facility, explaining that the project is still in the preliminary programming and conceptual stage and has not yet entered the formal design phase with DECA. Officials said the proposal in the capital plan would create a 24-bed facility, with 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, to serve justice-involved youth with serious mental health needs. They said the facility would need to separate males and females and high- and low-risk youth, and that current placements often require sending youth out of state to places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas. Staff said the goal is to centralize treatment, improve safety, and reduce the need for fragmented or out-of-state placements. Committee members questioned the cost estimates, staffing needs, and whether the facility was justified given the small number of youth currently placed out of state. DJJ said the operational estimate includes an unknown medical-contract component and that the number of youth needing the facility can fluctuate because of surges in the juvenile population. Officials also said they had consulted with South Carolina, which is developing a similar facility, and noted that renovating existing facilities was considered but could be more expensive or impractical than building a separate site. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I see him here as well.
• Well, based on the Executive Committee last month, Well, based on the Executive Committee last month,
• Well, is that all right, DeVarme?
• Well, we can delay this issue till October as well and give you time to visit with them. Okay.
• Well, we could.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The Executive Committee of the State Committee on Pension Policy approved the June minutes and received updates from staff and counsel. The attorney reported on two class action matters: the Fowler/Probst Fowler teacher interest case, where a court ordered the state to pay $118 million and the state has appealed and sought a stay, and the Dawson case challenging last year’s HB 2034 related to the LEOFF 1 plan, where the complaint was amended and the state plans to move to dismiss. The actuary also provided a brief update on asset smoothing and offered to provide additional education on the topic. The committee then focused on interim work planning and the September agenda. Members discussed an ad hoc COLA for PERS and TRS Plan 1 retirees, with staff explaining options for making a COLA part of the base budget or otherwise structuring it. The committee agreed to move forward with a bill for a Plan 1 ad hoc COLA and to have it considered in October, with a request for fiscal analysis. The committee also heard from a Washington State Patrol Troopers Association representative about survivor medical benefits, and staff said a cost estimate could be prepared for October if the proposal included retroactive coverage. For September, the committee set the agenda to include PERS eligibility for animal control officers, a LEOFF 1 medical study update with possible action, and the Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item. Staff said the work plan would also add the ongoing Plan 1 COLA and survivor medical topics to October, along with preliminary 2027 meeting dates. The meeting ended with informal approval of the September agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sounded like it was well attended and had a good time. Yeah.
• Well, with that, we'll move right along.
• Well, first, it's great to be back on LEAP. Yeah, thanks.
• Well, thank you. I don't know of any other... We got her done. All right. Well, thank you.
• I wish all of you well, some of you that are up for our election. I wish you well as well.

Committee: Joint Legislative Evaluation & Accountability Program

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we didn't caucus.
• And once a Well, we didn't caucus.
• Well, I do. And I I don't. Well, I do.
• Well, I know that feeling.
• Well, I know that feeling. Maybe. Well, I know that feeling.

Summary: The House meeting consisted of announcements and a series of tributes honoring Representative Larry Gagne, a Vietnam-era Navy veteran and longtime member of the Veterans Committee. Representative Moffett introduced the recognition, describing the VA Vietnam-era veterans award and noting Gagne’s service, including his Navy enlistment in 1961, his role in the honor guard for Alan B. Shepard, and his service aboard the USS Noah, which recovered John Glenn after his 1962 spaceflight. Gagne was escorted to the front of the chamber and applauded by members. Former Speaker Steve Shurtleff also spoke in tribute, recalling his long acquaintance with Gagne dating back to police training and their later work together in the House, especially on the Criminal Justice Committee. He emphasized bipartisan cooperation, saying criminal justice should not be partisan, and praised Gagne as a friend and effective legislator. Shurtleff also noted Gagne’s later service on the State and Federal Veterans Affairs Committee and thanked Chair Moffett, saying they could disagree without being disagreeable. Gagne then responded briefly, joking about his long tenure and recalling shared memories from the police academy, including a graduation snowball fight and finding an old photo of himself and Shurtleff. He said he planned to run again, reflected on both good and difficult times in the House, and closed by stressing respect across party lines and the importance of getting along. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, this is actually to address... Or is this a comment?
• Well, this is actually to address. Or is this a comment?
• So that’s, well, our...
• Very well spoken. Thank you. Thank you.
• Well, didn't say doctor here. Well, I call me Travis. It's OK, Senator Carroll.

Bills: SB1013 , SB1023

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care

Transcript Highlights:

• GONE TO RURAL AREAS OF THE STATE. 106 PROJECTS FOR DEPLOYMENT HAVE BEEN FUNDED THROUGH THIS FUND AS WELL
• WITH THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE MOVING TO FLORIDA CAPACITY ISSUES IN URBAN AREAS IS A CONCERN AS WELL.
• THE PANHANDLE AS WELL.
• JOHN'S AREA AND ALSO NOW SCATTERED THROUGH THE PANHANDLE REGION AS WELL.
• THEN INTO THE RURAL AREAS AS WELL OVER IN CALHOUN COUNTY.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that the public or the reporters could know what's going on.
• </c><00:03:55.280><c> Well,</c> What do you mean exactly, Eric?
• Well, What do you mean exactly, Eric?
• Well, I think that know what's going on.
• Well, the shake out over uh today?

Transcript Highlights:

• As well, what is yours allowed to do? Yes, uh, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Okay, well, we have a public... Questions? Okay, well, we have a public hearing as well.
• Yeah, well, we’re going to...
• So you have a shop as well? So, you have a shop as well as a farm? Are you selling?
• Well, I think we're moving really rapidly.

Bills: HB194 , SB87 , SB237

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: healthcare, advanced practice nursing, nurse collaboration, medical board, nursing board, committee structure, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC