Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development will now come to order
• targeted rural access bill that puts special districts in rural communities and rural areas of opportunity
• targeted rural access bill that puts special districts in rural communities and rural areas of opportunity
• Thank you for the opportunity.
• Vice Chair Polsky and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to present Senate Bill

Bills: S0214, S0694, S1266

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, compensation, wrongful conviction, civil rights, historic injustice, reparation, cybersecurity, internships, workforce development, education, economic growth, 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. Senate Bill 214, by Senator McLean, would allow certain special districts in rural communities and rural areas of opportunity to receive invoice payments for verified work under state and federal financial assistance agreements, rather than relying on reimbursement models that can strain cash flow. An amendment narrowing and clarifying the bill for independent special districts and water and wastewater projects was adopted, and the committee heard support from representatives of W3C Water and Sewer Cooperative, the Amakily Water and Sewer District, Resiliency Florida, and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee then reported CS for SB 214 favorably. The committee next took up CS for SB 1266, by Senator Colata, addressing cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was described as a response to Florida’s cybercrime threat ranking and workforce gap, and a delete-all amendment created a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, in partnership with Cyber Florida at USF and participating institutions. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn by Senator Bernard, and with no opposition or appearance forms, the committee reported CS for CS SB 1266 favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS for SB 694, by Senator Bracey Davis, providing compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four: Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas. The bill was presented as a final step in redressing the wrongful accusations, convictions, deaths, and incarcerations tied to the 1949 case, following prior legislative apologies, pardons, and vacatur of convictions. Delatry Hollinger testified in support, and Senator Smith praised the measure as an important step toward justice. The committee reported CS for SB 694 favorably, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Economic Development Committee will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
• It relates to the Rural Economic Development and Investment Program in the Texas A&M University Economic
• the growing economic development needs of rural areas in Texas.
• House Bill 2765 would expand access to financial assistance and economic development opportunities for
• Texas Farm Bureau's support will help boost economic growth in our communities.

Bills: HB2564, HB2760, HB2765, HB2898, HB3260, HB3800, HB4341, HB4396, HB5195

Keywords: Defense Economic Adjustment, grant applications, economic assistance, local government, Evaluation panel, judicial review, Texas Workforce Commission, unemployment compensation, legal proceedings, labor law, rural development, infrastructure, Texas economic fund, private investment, job creation, meteorological evaluation towers, wind resources, aviation safety, regulations, construction notice

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate this opportunity to speak to Senate Bill 5893.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• opportunities for motivated people to join me on the journey.
• Yeah, that comes from estimates from the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Nicole Doyle.

Bills: SB5893, SB6229, HB1376, SGA9306

Keywords: forest health, wildfire reduction, appropriations, environmental policy, natural resource management, capital gains, taxation, small business, state revenue, investment, economic growth, tax prepayment, tax regulation, financial planning, economic policy, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, for the opportunity to testify today on House File 8.
• </c> effort and I appreciate the opportunity effort and I appreciate the opportunity to<00:13:08.399>
• </c> ombudsman to the Department of economics ombudsman to the Department of economics development<00
• </c><00:20:55.200><c> for</c> erosion of public opportunities for erosion of public opportunities for
• </c> steer grant grant and Loan opportunities steer grant grant and Loan opportunities it's<00:34:13.560

Bills: HF8, HF1416

Keywords: wetlands, environmental review, permitting efficiency, Pollution Control Agency, construction permits, environmental impact statements, local government, business regulation, environmental assessments, HF1416, relocation grants, economic development, business relocation, site selection, business incentives, grant extension, appropriation extension, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, request for proposals

Bills: HB4274, HB3076, HB4358, HB3312, HB3288, HB3885

Keywords: HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment

Bills: HB4274, HB3076, HB4358, HB3312, HB3288, HB3885

Keywords: HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment

Summary: The committee first took up HB 4274, with a PCS accepted without objection. The bill concerns military students and military school choice, restoring language from the Open Enrollment Act, removing a six-month residency requirement for military families, and addressing early enrollment administration. After brief discussion, the committee voted 10-0 to report the bill out as due pass. HB 3076, authored by Rep. Lepak, would create a new alternative certification pathway for teachers to help address the teacher shortage by allowing third-party certifiers outside the traditional higher-education route. Members asked about accreditation, existing pilot language, and how this differs from emergency or adjunct certification. The author said the bill is intended as an additional route for career changers, with examples from other states and a model that includes follow-up support after hiring. The committee also discussed adding mentor-teacher language, and the bill passed 10-2 as due pass. The committee then considered HB 4358, which would limit screen time for K-5 students to one hour per day, with the author noting possible changes for class-based use, testing, and virtual schools. HB 3312, with a PCS, would require schools to offer firearm safety education in grades K-12, while allowing parents to opt their students out; it passed 9-2. HB 3288, also with a PCS, would increase physical activity for school-age children and prohibit withholding recess or physical education from pre-K through 5th grade as punishment; it passed 11-0. Finally, HB 3885, with a PCS, would impose mandatory disciplinary actions for third- through fifth-grade students who assault or attempt to assault teachers or school employees. The author said the bill is aimed at improving teacher safety and retention, while still allowing in-school suspension and case-by-case superintendent discretion. Members discussed whether schools already have such authority and whether suspension is always the best response. The bill passed 8-3 as due pass. HB 4277 and HB 4173 were laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> be more opportunity, it will be less. be more opportunity, it will be less.
• </c> for the opportunity to testify. for the opportunity to testify.
• </c> uh is encompassed by economic uh is encompassed by economic development<00:45:29.520><c> regions
• </c> areas still as a a vibrant uh economic areas still as a a vibrant uh economic area.<00:47:10.400
• </c> opportunity to uh present today. opportunity to uh present today.

Bills: HF3889, HF2567, HF3878

Keywords: workforce development, grant program, employment, economic development, funding, employment contract, labor policy, employee rights, unconscionable provisions, public policy, legal enforcement, airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> sustained personal and economic sustained personal and economic benefits<00:09:21.519><c> and</c
• Public investments in early care and education are economic development, and they are economic development
• </c> space which is pretty cool opportunity space which is pretty cool opportunity and<00:35:35.320><
• opportunities.
• </c> shortages and enhancing our economic shortages and enhancing our economic opportunities<00:46:48.119

Bills: HF2582, HF2266, HF2518, HF2039, HF1941

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Bills: HB 112, HB 199, HB 621, HB 1349, HB 2214, HB 3466, HB 3698, HB 3699, HCR 9

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Bills: HB 112, HB 199, HB 621, HB 1349, HB 2214, HB 3466, HB 3698, HB 3699, HCR 9

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Bills: SB334

Keywords: SB334, Lauderdale County, Florence, Shoals Economic Development Fund, sales tax, use tax, local tax, economic development, county commission, municipal revenue, tax proceeds, special revenue fund, Colbert County, local legislation, Alabama Code 45-39-245.47, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First off, I want to thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to serve others.
• Senator Gregor, thank you, sir, for this opportunity.
• I appreciate the opportunity to work together with them.
• The opportunity to work together with you gentlemen has been a great privilege for me.
• very strong leaders in this chamber, and today we have the opportunity to elect another one.

Bills: SB 2, SJR 36, SB 2, SR 19, SR 27, SR 30, SR 32, SCR 11

Keywords: Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic strength, McAllen, is probably the... better fit and a better place sitting in terms of economic
• Pablo Tagli, Chairman of the Board of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
• opportunity in Houston.
• in nationwide economic.
• Thanks for the opportunity to swing by and see many of you this morning at breakfast.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SR19, SR27, SR30, SR32, SCR11

Keywords: Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, everyone, to the Tuesday, February 3rd meeting of the House Technology, Economic Development
• When funding is provided under the community reinvestment account for the economic development criteria
• I thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of House Bill 2684.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in opposition to 2684.
• It's on the state certification side of socially and economically disadvantaged.

Bills: HB2523, HB2606, HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• to thrive in Texas's business landscape while contributing to long-term economic resilience.
• the economic success of Texas.
• economic success of Texas.
• Now they deserve the opportunity to succeed as business owners.
• My concern is the category is so broad, it’s really about economic development generally for...

Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185

Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• It collapsed very early, and it caused significant economic harm.
• You know, the labor force is vital to the economic engine. Totally.
• You know, the labor force is vital to the economic engine. Totally.
• It is vital to the economic engine, totally. And so we look at our landscapers.
• And the downstream economic impact is substantial.

Bills: HCR77, HB81, HB512, HB663, HB717, HB1194

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2B program, H-2A program, labor shortage, temporary workers, Louisiana economy, HCR77, crawfish industry, H-2B visa, seasonal labor, agriculture, immigration, arborist, property disputes, tree trimming, neighborhood, landowner rights, Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District, board of commissioners

Transcript Highlights:

• So I appreciate the opportunity to lay out the committee substitute for House Bill 3229 that relates
• My name is Sonia Joshi, and I speak on behalf of Public Citizen, and we appreciate the opportunity to
• Thank you, Chairman Landgraf, um, members of the committee for the opportunity to speak, uh, to you today
• Appreciate the opportunity to lay out House Bill 205, Chairman, Mr.
• Uh, and actually on the Giddings Economic Development board.

Bills: HB205

Keywords: disaster recovery, economic development, grants, loans, infrastructure support

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 390 helps promote entrepreneurship. provides them with greater opportunities to participate
• to thrive in Texas' business landscape while contributing to long-term economic growth. ...economic
• We strongly support initiatives that create opportunities for veteran-owned businesses and keep Texas
• and resources, continuing to contribute to the economic success of Texas.
• Now, they deserve the opportunity to succeed as business owners.

Bills: SB 390, SB 1197, SB 1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, Veteran Affairs

Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> motans who would lose the economic motans who would lose the economic benefits<00:04:09.400><c>
• </c> safety broadband and economic safety broadband and economic development<00:04:31.759><c> policies
• I appreciate the opportunity to support the changes in House File 47.
• I appreciate the opportunity to support the changes in House File 47.
• <01:31:19.000><c> development</c> economic development economic development project<01:31:21.400><c>

Bills: HF47, HF335

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> has every resource and every opportunity has every resource and every opportunity um<00:10:24.279
• Thank you for your time and consideration. opportunity that this is going to opportunity that this is
• </c><00:26:48.159><c> growth</c> constrain our state's economic growth constrain our state's economic
• </c> the future to have the same opportunity the future to have the same opportunity that<00:30:50.960
• </c> which provide meaningful opportunities which provide meaningful opportunities for<00:35:17.480><

Bills: HF1936, HF849, HF989, HF1130, HF1223, HF1907, HF1847, HF1957

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise