Transcript Highlights:

• They've heard from, you know, bodies like the state House that we want this Chairman: development here
• I can assure you, during Uri, when our lights were on in our data center and not at my house, my wife
• We help them build a new fire safety house.
• And that's because these are permitted for the worst case scenario, the worst of the worst case scenario
• Raymond: house, Senate, when you can and maybe some of the key folks.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've heard from bodies like the state House that we want this Chairman: development here, but we have
• I can assure you, during Yuri, when our lights were on in our data center and not at my house, my wife
• We help them build a new fire safety house.
• Maybe since you're here in Austin, try to do some meetings with other legislators, house, Senate, you
• Schwab: If our project is impacting local communities because of the construction workforce or housing

Transcript Highlights:

• housing associations.
• Before you is House Bill 2304. The bill passed the House 94-0.
• House Bill 2403 today.
• affordable housing.
• housing.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. Representative Connors testified on two notice-service bills: HB 2452, which would change manufactured/mobile home rent increase notices so they are served like other MHLTA notices rather than by certified mail, and HB 2664, which would remove certified-mail requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. Connors said the current certified-mail rules are causing notices to go unclaimed and creating unnecessary costs for housing providers, while staff explained the bills would allow service by regular mail in the same manner as other notices. Public testimony on both bills was generally supportive, emphasizing reduced cost and better delivery, though one witness on HB 2452 urged allowing electronic notice options as well. The committee also heard SHB 2269, which clarifies that middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development may be served by either a public sewer system or a large on-site sewage system in rural counties, while non-rural counties would still require public sewer service. The sponsor and supporters said the bill resolves ambiguity created by prior legislation and gives county planners more flexibility; questions focused on what kinds of systems and uses would qualify. EHB 1687 was heard next and would expand the housing cooperation law to allow cities and counties to assist social housing public development authorities. Representative Reed and supporters said the bill would give Seattle and potentially other jurisdictions a tool to support permanently public, mixed-income housing with land, infrastructure, and other assistance. In executive session, the committee adopted a due-pass recommendation for EHB 1345 after Senator Gaynor withdrew an amendment that would have removed water-withdrawal and metering requirements for detached ADUs outside urban growth areas. The committee also adopted a striking amendment and moved ESHB 1500 and EHB 1501 forward, both with updated timelines and clarifications related to common-interest-community resale certificates and owner inquiries. Amendments to ESHB 1974 on land bank authorities were rejected, including proposals to remove private negotiation and tax preferences, and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Finally, SHB 2288 on scissors stairs was advanced without amendment. Later, the committee heard HB 2304, which would expand the 2-10 warranty option to certain four-story stacked-flat condominium projects; testimony from builders, housing advocates, and the Office of Insurance Commissioner supported it as a way to reduce liability costs and increase condo supply. The committee also took testimony on EHB 1687 and HB 2664, and then closed the hearing on SHB 2452 after hearing support from housing providers for easing manufactured-home rent notice service requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will come to order. The House will come to order.
• House Bill 2413, printer's number 3088, on page one of the House calendar B. Will the House agree?
• House Bill 2413, printer's number 3088, on page one of the House calendar B. Will the House agree?
• Bill 151, House Bill 2006, House Bill 216, House Bill 2154, House Bill 227, House Bill 154, House Bill
• 2227, House Bill 2378, House Bill 2490, House Bill 2549, House Bill 2625, House Bill 2649, Senate Bill

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, this legislation passed the House 115 to 1. Thank you. Good morning.
• In 2024, this legislation passed the House 115 to 1. One. Thank you for your sponsorship.
• In 2024, this legislation passed the House 115 to 1.
• Well, I guess we'll be downstairs, won't we, since the House is running things.
• Well, I guess we'll be downstairs, won't we, since the house is running things.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110, covering Medicaid and insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity-specific devices without lifetime or continuous-use caps, received emotional testimony from families and athletes describing high costs and the importance of access for children and adults with disabilities. Members voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1574, which would add biliary atresia screening to the newborn screening program using the existing birth blood specimen. The sponsor and a parent testified that earlier detection could prevent severe liver damage, transplants, and deaths, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 794, dealing with background screening for employees at residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities and a review of waiver support coordination, was amended to align with the House companion and then reported favorably after testimony emphasizing the importance of strong support coordinators for APD waiver families. Members then considered SB 162, requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Nurses and other supporters described surgical smoke as a serious occupational hazard, while the Florida Hospital Association said hospitals are already regulated in this area and the bill was somewhat prescriptive; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 254, which tightens oversight of nursing education programs, adds preceptorship and provisional licensure pathways for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, and increases transparency and accountability for low-performing programs, drew support from nursing advocates and opposition from private nursing schools concerned about workforce impacts; after amendment, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 688 to reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida was heard with testimony both supporting expanded health care choices and opposing the bill over safety and scope concerns, and it too was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• California needs more housing. No one can argue against that. California needs more housing.
• from helping to house each other.
• is rebuilt, bring housing online, affordable housing.
• more housing in Los Angeles.
• I think, as you've heard, we are the housing committee. We're pro-housing.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 996 by Senator Padilla would let manufactured homeowners opt to title their homes as real property, with supporters saying this would improve access to conventional mortgages, consumer protections, and lower-cost financing. SB 866 by Senator Blakespear would require cities and counties to include homelessness-related information in their annual housing element reports, with supporters saying the bill would improve transparency, regional coordination, and accountability around homelessness funding and services. The committee also heard SB 1090 by Senator Perez, which would impose a temporary moratorium in Altadena on certain state housing density laws after the Eaton Fire. Supporters, including Supervisor Catherine Barger and many Altadena residents, argued the bill would protect fire survivors from speculative investors and give families time to rebuild and return home. Opponents argued the bill could limit tools that homeowners need to finance rebuilding and could reduce future housing production. After extensive testimony, the committee passed SB 1090 to the Assembly Local Government Committee on a 10-0 vote. SB 1388 by Senator Durazo would create an Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program to help affordable housing providers reduce insurance costs through technical assistance and risk-mitigation support. Supporters said rising insurance premiums are threatening the viability of affordable housing developments and existing units. The committee also reconsidered and then voted on SB 1092, which was taken up only for reconsideration and final vote; after a split vote, the bill ultimately passed the committee. Final recorded votes showed SB 866 and SB 996 passing unanimously, SB 1388 passing with one no vote and one not voting, and SB 1092 passing 7-5 after reconsideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even today, nearly half of the destroyed houses Even today, nearly half of the destroyed houses have
• from helping to house each other.
• is rebuilt, bring housing online, affordable housing.
• more housing in Los Angeles.
• I think, as you've heard, we are the Housing Committee. We're pro-housing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a great school, and one reason I know that is because my house is about five miles away from
• So, with that, Madam President, at this time, I request permission that Coach Bradberry be permitted
• At this point, I move to reject House amendments to Senate Bill 133 and request a conference, with the

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules in relation to permitting certain testimony and
• An act to amend the New York City Civil Court Act in relation to housing courts.
• ...in relation to housing courts. Are there any questions on the bill? Second.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 session and began with congratulatory remarks to the chair and other members. The committee then took up a short agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting support for the chair’s leadership and for the committee’s work on language access, housing, family court access, and other judiciary issues. The first bill, Print 338 by Senator Bailey, would require certain New York City Civil Court documents to be provided in parties’ native languages; it was moved, seconded, and reported to the floor, with some members speaking in favor of language access. The committee also advanced Print 874, designating Harriet Tubman Day, and Print 2497 by Senator Gounardes, allowing certain testimony and evidence by agents in discrimination proceedings. Print 2597 by Senator Mayer, establishing standards for public access to family court, was also reported to the floor. Additional measures approved included Print 3394A on anti-stalking orders, with support noted for updating protections in the digital age; Print 5066 on housing courts; Print 5278 on new fee rates for large estates, which was described as bipartisan; Print 5285 on who may become a voluntary administrator; Print 5286 on prohibiting self-storage lien enforcement during state disaster or health emergencies; and Print 5968 on increasing the homestead exemption from civil judgments. Most bills were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition, and several were reported to the floor while others were referred onward as noted in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and more affordable for members of the state of Idaho who want to have an enhanced concealed carry permit
• And Representative Church, again, we had multiple testifiers come into our committee in House Tradition
• Again, we had multiple testifiers come into our committee in House Judiciary and Rules as parents and

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, January 28 by voice vote. It then set aside RS 33085, Representative Skog’s proposal, after noting the sponsor was absent, and moved on to RS 3308, Representative Shepard’s bill on firearms instructor enhanced licensing. Shepard said the measure would make enhanced concealed carry permits easier and more affordable by removing the requirement for an attorney to be present for instructors with eight years of experience, while preserving reciprocity with other states. After questions about reciprocity and the bill’s effect, the committee voted to introduce RS 3308. The committee next heard RS 33085, also from Representative Skog, concerning pediatric transition parental rights. Skog said the bill would prohibit social transitioning of minors without parental knowledge or consent, and would allow the attorney general or parents to seek legal action if it occurs. Members asked for clarification about whether the bill was limited to social transitioning, what examples had prompted the proposal, and who could be sued under the private right of action. Skog said it was limited to social transitioning and related conduct, and that the bill would provide injunctive and declaratory relief as well as a lawsuit option. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 33085, with one member requesting to be recorded as opposed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• How's a road to $8.2 million to complete the house of road improvement project how to house a road is
• Yes, I'm here to support House Bill 2304.
• I am here to support House Bill 2304.
• Permitting rather than requiring an instruction permit or driver license application to include outline
• Okay, House Concurrent Memorial 2016. House Concurrent Memorial 2016. Mr. Chair.

Bills: HB2067, HB2068, HB2127, HB2164, HB2200, HB2201, HB2242, HB2283, HB2284, HB2285, HB2286, HB2287, HB2304, HB2306, HB2399, HB2601, HB2609, HB2760, HB2761, HB2859, HB2887, HB2892, HB2893, HB2894, HB2978, HB4027, HCM2012, HCM2016

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, infrastructure, Apache Junction, funding, Show Low, road extension, special license plates, nonprofits, charitable contributions, Reay Lane, Graham County, HB 2200, State Route 89, SR 89, Chino Valley, Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT, road widening, highway expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• The base permitted for every county has remained the same for 40 years.
• The base permitted for every county has remained the same for 40 years.
• The<00:26:51.600><c> base</c><00:26:51.919><c> permitted</c><00:26:52.320><c> for</c><00:26:52.559><c
• > every</c><00:26:52.799><c> county</c><00:26:53.360><c> has</c> The base permitted for every county
• has The base permitted for every county has remained<00:26:53.840><c> the</c><00:26:54.080><c> same</

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:08 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45 SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50 SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And 10.07, subdivision 2D, says if an official is not permitted, the conflict-of-interest statutes give
• subdivision 2D says if an official<00:32:12.919><c> is</c><00:32:13.080><c> not</c><00:32:13.360><c> permitted
• /c><00:32:13.880><c> so</c><00:32:14.039><c> this</c><00:32:14.120><c> would</c> official is not permitted
• so this would official is not permitted so this would be<00:32:14.639><c> Senator</c><00:32:15.480><
• And that, Senator Mitchell says, if an official is not permitted or is otherwise unable to abstain from

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to House Finance.
• And I think that LECs still have to operate under the fair housing guidelines and the federal fair housing
• A housing authority or a public corporation operating as a land bank authority could own the housing
• Let's move on to House Bill 2334.
• It has been moved and seconded that proposed substitute house bill, proposed second substitute house

Summary: The committee heard several public hearings on tax and housing-related bills. HB 2451 on local tax increment financing was briefed as a negotiated trailer bill adding new limits and consultation requirements for increment areas, including restrictions on using areas that already have needed public improvements, earlier sunset rules, more detailed project analysis, and stronger notice, mediation, and arbitration procedures for affected taxing districts. Supporters from cities, ports, and fire districts said the bill rebalances the process and protects impacted jurisdictions; the hearing then closed. HB 2322 would change the alternative jet fuel tax incentive program by replacing the current production-capacity trigger with a fixed effective period beginning in 2031 and ending in 2046, while clarifying carbon-intensity requirements. The sponsor said the change adds certainty and supports cleaner aviation fuel. A refinery representative supported the program but asked for clarification to include Pierce County or define “blender,” while a climate-health opponent argued the bill subsidizes continued fossil-fuel combustion and should be rejected. HB 2590 would revise the limited equity cooperative definition and exempt such cooperatives from WUCIOA unless they opt in, while preserving the property-tax exemption requirements; supporters said it would reduce red tape and better fit cooperative housing, while members raised concerns about unintended restrictive membership rules and asked for fair-housing guardrails. HB 2655 would create a new sales and use tax exemption for construction and equipment at certain new data centers in eastern Washington, subject to labor, wage, apprenticeship, employment, and sustainability requirements. Supporters framed it as a jobs and clean-energy opportunity tied to hydrogen development and regional competitiveness, while opponents said it was a subsidy for large corporations and could strain water, power, and public revenues. The committee then moved to executive action and advanced HB 1983, the second substitute for HB 1974, the substitute for HB 2334, HB 2367, and the substitute for HB 2650, all with due pass recommendations. Amendments were adopted on HB 1974 and rejected on HB 2367; the other bills were advanced without amendment. Votes were recorded on each measure, with HB 1974 passing 10-4, HB 2334 passing 13-1, HB 2367 passing 11-3, and HB 2650 passing 14-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2384.
• testimony on House Bill 2402.
• We'll go ahead and close public testimony in House Bill 2402, and we'll reopen public testimony on House
• I recommend a yes vote from our committee to move House Bill 2145, or the proposed substitute House Bill
• bill or proposed substitute how from our committee to move House Bill or proposed substitute House Bill

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several health-related bills. House Bill 2384 would require continuing care retirement communities that offer life care contracts to submit actuarial analyses every other registration cycle for review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, with the Department of Social and Health Services using the review in registration decisions. The bill sponsor and residents’ advocates said it would improve transparency and protect seniors’ prepaid care promises, while the CCRC industry supported the goal but raised concerns about scope, cost, and implementation details. House Bill 2505 would exempt certain foster family homes and child-specific foster care homes from adult family home licensure when former foster youth remain in the home as adults and certain safety conditions are met; DSHS supported the narrow exemption as a way to avoid displacing vulnerable young adults. House Bill 2402 would phase out DEHP and other orthophthalates in IV solution containers and later IV tubing, with exemptions for certain blood and cell therapy products; supporters cited health and environmental risks and the availability of safer alternatives, while manufacturers and hospitals supported the goal but asked for longer timelines, supply-chain protections, and implementation assistance. In executive session, the committee took action on a series of bills. It adopted an amendment and passed House Bill 1904, which prohibits cat declawing, on a 13-3 vote. It passed a proposed substitute for House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug program on an 11-5 vote after debate over reporting requirements and the state’s authority. It rejected several amendments to House Bill 2182 on abortion medications held by the Department of Corrections, adopted an Indian health care provider priority amendment, and passed the bill on a 10-6 vote. House Bill 2211 on medically tailored meals passed 15-1. The committee also passed Substitute House Bill 2247 on veterinarian-client-patient relationships, Substitute House Bill 2329 on midwives and lactation consultants, and Substitute House Bill 2339 on nurse licensing, each with technical amendments and broad support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next bill is House Bill 2365. House Bill 2365 relates to digital equity.
• The next bill is House Bill 2365. House Bill 2365 relates to digital equity.
• substitute House Bill 2365, as amended.
• House Bill 2523 does exactly that.
• I'm here to testify in support of House Bill 2606.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee first met in executive session on House Bills 2157, 2351, 2365, 2357, and 2446. Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for each bill. HB 2157, concerning high-risk AI systems, was amended to exempt activities regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and covered entities under HIPAA; members discussed balancing consumer protections with flexibility for developers and deployers. HB 2351, addressing protections for emergency responders and emergency operations, was described as clarifying definitions and procedures, including a mental health crisis defense and changes to emergency operation zone notifications; some members raised concerns about deconfliction and implementation details. HB 2365, on digital equity, was amended with several definitional and data-sharing proposals, though some amendments were rejected over fiscal concerns. HB 2357, creating the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, passed without amendment. HB 2446, on developing a quantum technology industry strategy, was amended to extend the strategy deadline, broaden who Commerce may contract with, and correct terminology; members noted concerns about industry involvement in the strategic plan and fiscal impacts. All five bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, with recorded votes of 8-5 on HB 2157, HB 2351, and HB 2365, unanimous support for HB 2357, and 12-1 for HB 2446. The committee then held a public hearing on HB 2523, which would make the community reinvestment program ongoing, require periodic updates and reporting, and direct a study of fund distribution and use. Testifiers from workforce boards, tribal programs, reentry services, community organizations, and Commerce described successful uses of the program for job training, reentry, small business support, legal services, and economic mobility, and urged the bill’s passage. Some suggested strengthening accountability, reporting, and access for new organizations. Commerce staff said the program has served more than 190,000 people and supported over 400 organizations, and asked for technical adjustments to keep administrative costs low. The bill was then closed for hearing. The committee also heard HB 2606, which would revise the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and performance measures, remove some reporting requirements, and add review of agency AI projects. The prime sponsor described it as a “stay-in-your-lane” cleanup bill responding to JLARC recommendations, and the state chief privacy officer testified in support, saying the office could implement the changes within existing resources. After questions about local government support and public resources, the hearing on HB 2606 was closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Joan moves that House Bill 2854 is substituted be reported favorably to the full House with
• Is there any objections, House? If there's no objections, House Bill 3618 will be left pending.
• House Bill 1826 is left pending.
• House Bill 1969 is left pending. At this time, the Chair calls up House Bill 2708 by Dr.
• Members, uh, House Bill 4764.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not permitted to give yield. We have to. So again, it's a security instrument.
• </c><01:28:51.280><c> So</c> permitted to give yield. We have to. So permitted to give yield.
• </c> a $1 NAV at all times and still permit a $1 NAV at all times and still permit the<01:29:52.880><
• So we can permit that audit time to go to zero.
• So we can permit that audit time to go So we can permit that audit time to go to<01:40:32.080><c> zero

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review stable tokens, real-world asset tokenization, and blockchain-based trust, approved the agenda and December 12 minutes, and heard a presentation from Anchorage Digital after postponing a planned Bitco presentation because of its IPO quiet period. Anchorage’s Melinda Delos, Joe Mioli, and Kevin Wasaki introduced the firm, describing it as a global digital assets platform and the first crypto-native institution in the U.S. to receive a federal banking charter. They said their approach emphasizes security, regulated custody and trading services, and responsible innovation for institutional clients, banks, states, and sovereigns. The presentation focused on post-Genius Act momentum in the stablecoin market. Anchorage said the law provided regulatory clarity and helped spur activity with major clients, including Athena, Tether, and Western Union. The speakers highlighted Western Union’s planned stablecoin as especially significant because it reflects adoption by a long-established traditional payments company, and they said the project illustrates how stablecoins can support programmable, real-time, interoperable payments. They also noted that Anchorage is providing issuance infrastructure for the Western Union project. The commission and presenters also discussed government uses of tokenized assets, including reserve legislation, digital assets for tax collection and fees, and a Marshall Islands initiative to use a tokenized sovereign bond for direct citizen payments. In response to a question, Anchorage said it would follow up on which states are using digital assets for revenue collection, mentioning Louisiana and Pennsylvania as examples. The banking discussion centered on remittances, instant payments, and interbank settlement, with Anchorage arguing that stablecoins can reduce settlement time, fees, and foreign exchange risk while improving traceability and auditability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next item: House Bill 431. House Bill 431.
• Next item: House Bill 432. House Bill 432.
• Next item: House Bill 529. Recommendation is to pass House Bill 529 unamended. House Bill 529.
• </c> reservation thank you next item House reservation thank you next item House Bill House Bill 974.
• Next item: House Bill 107. House Bill 107. Uh, same situation.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 422, relating to school impact fees. The Education Committee recommended passage with amendments, and Ways and Means concurred. The amendments would repeal the construction fee component of the school impact fee while retaining the land impact fee and in-lieu fee requirements, remove related statutory language, exempt certain developments from school impact fees, raise the unit threshold for satisfying the land component to 100 units, require the School Facilities Authority to adopt rules and policies, and require a report to the Legislature on the effect of repealing the construction portion of the fee. The measure was also given a sunset date of June 30, 2029, with the committee report to note that the changes are intended to test the efficiency and efficacy of the fee structure and could be made permanent if the report supports that outcome. The committees adopted the recommendation, with one senator initially voting no and then changing to yes after the amendments were explained. The meeting also included a separate hearing on House Bill 1155, concerning procurement for Department of Transportation projects and construction manager/general contractor procurement. DOT testified that it supported the concept but wanted to narrow the bill, saying the current language was too broad and that the goal was to allow more innovative procurement while preserving selection safeguards. The State Procurement Office said it supported the bill’s language but was willing to work with DOT on alternative wording. Several construction-related organizations, including subcontractors, iron workers, elevator constructors, and building trades representatives, opposed the bill, arguing that exemptions from the procurement code would weaken protections such as retainage, equality, and prompt payment and could invite favoritism or corruption. In response to those concerns, the chair proposed amendments limiting the exemption to DOT, narrowing the qualifying contracts, adding a two-year sunset, requiring a report after the first year, and clarifying that project management could not be procured under the section. The amended recommendation passed, though several members voted with reservations. A separate item, House Bill 476, was briefly called up at the end of the agenda, with a recommendation to pass with amendments to increase a rate from 7.25% to 8%, but discussion was not completed in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next item on the agenda is House Bill 4198.
• Chairman, I move that House Bill 47110... Mr.
• All right, that’s the third house down.
• The next item on the agenda is House Bill 5182.
• The next item on the agenda is House Bill 4603.

Keywords: 994, senate, all