Transcript Highlights:

• Qualified tips are defined as cash gratuities earned by employees whose primary duties involve direct
• Qualified tips are defined as cash gratuities earned by employees whose primary duties involve direct
• And that is that when you compare the tax savings to Delaware's primary competitors for veterans that
• So both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and Delaware's primary neighboring state competitors already offer
• So both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and Delaware's primary neighbor state competitors already offer 100%

Summary: The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider two tax-related measures sponsored by Representative Holofsky. The first was House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, the Tipped Worker Tax Relief Act of 2026, which would allow a temporary Delaware income tax deduction of up to $15,000 for qualified tips for tax years 2027 through 2029, with phaseouts at higher incomes and a refundable credit for lower-income workers. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill applied to residents and non-residents, whether credit-card tips were included, the need for an updated substitute, and the expected fiscal impact. The Office of the Comptroller General said the bill would likely reduce general revenue and that the fiscal note had not yet been fully reviewed, while Deputy Secretary Goldsmith said the Department of Finance could administer it and that implementation costs would be modest. After public comment, the committee voted on a motion to release the bill, but it did not receive enough votes, so the chair said she would walk it for additional signatures. The committee then heard Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. Representative Holofsky argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, support the economy, and provide a strong return on investment through spending, taxes, and community participation. Members raised concerns about whether the benefit should be income-based, with one member arguing that higher-income retirees may not need the tax break, while supporters emphasized the multiplier effect and the value of veterans to the state. Public testimony from Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives strongly supported the bill and described how the exemption could influence retirement decisions and local economic activity. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Qualified tips are defined as cash gratuities earned by employees whose primary duties involve direct
• Qualified tips are defined as cash gratuities earned by employees whose primary duties involve direct
• Cash gratuities are earned by employees whose primary duties involve direct customer service, including
• And that is that when you compare the tax savings to Delaware's primary competitors for veterans, both
• So both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and Delaware's primary neighboring state competitors already offer

Summary: The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, which would create a temporary Delaware income tax deduction for qualified tip income from tax years 2027 through 2029. The sponsor described it as relief for service workers in restaurants, salons, and similar tipped occupations, with a deduction of up to $15,000, income-based phaseouts, a refundable credit for lower-income workers, and a sunset for later review. Committee members raised questions about the resident/non-resident language, the fiscal note, and whether the Department of Finance could implement the change; Finance said the department could administer it and expected only modest administrative costs, while the Comptroller’s office said the bill would reduce general revenue. After a brief recess to review updated language, the committee took public comment, but no one testified. A motion to release the bill failed to receive enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it to seek additional signatures. The committee then considered Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. The sponsor argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, citing economic return estimates, workforce benefits, and support from all 21 Senate co-sponsors. Some members supported the bill as a way to reward service and bring in long-term residents, while others questioned whether the exemption should be income-based rather than available to all military retirees, including those with substantial second careers. The Department of Finance said it could operationalize the bill and that the non-resident language was unnecessary because the subtraction is already picked up in the non-resident code section. Public testimony from veterans’ organizations strongly supported the bill, emphasizing that the exemption can influence retirement decisions and help veterans and their families stay in Delaware. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the primary thing that we were able to get.
• That was the primary thing that we were able to get.
• families.<00:08:32.240><c> That</c><00:08:32.479><c> was</c><00:08:32.719><c> the</c><00:08:33.039><c> primary
• That was the primary thing families.
• That was the primary thing that<00:08:33.919><c> we</c><00:08:34.159><c> were</c><00:08:34.240><c> able

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Operation Metro Surge has emptied emergency departments, pediatric clinics, primary care offices, and
• I was told not to open the door to anyone who's dressing up as a police officer, and that John Hoffman
• I was told to<00:15:02.080><c> not</c><00:15:02.480><c> open</c><00:15:02.800><c> the</c><00:15:02.880
• ><c> door</c><00:15:03.280><c> to</c><00:15:03.520><c> anyone</c> to not open the door to anyone to not
• open the door to anyone who's<00:15:05.000><c> dressing</c><00:15:05.360><c> up</c><00:15:05.520><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a longstanding situation where it's been open-ended.
• It's a common sense bill, and it doesn't leave this open-ended financial commitment on the other spouse
• CCW, one, we're an open carry state. We can carry all over the state. We both know that.
• If you go to California, and you like to carry in Arizona because of constitutional carry, not just open
• We serve north of 3,000 primary and secondary victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse

Bills: SB1049 , SB1053 , SB1058 , SB1093 , SB1160 , SB1211

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: spousal maintenance, court guidelines, self-sufficiency, financial support, marriage dissolution, concealed carry, gun permits, firearms training, public safety, criminal history checks, local recognition, firearms, merchant codes, financial privacy, Second Amendment, data protection, riot, planning, racketeering, criminal conspiracy

Transcript Highlights:

• Being that we don't vote via secret ballot here in this body, we're very open about our votes and what
• are we dictating or suggesting how another body should vote when we are getting ready to have a very open
• that the implication of a secret ballot being better for employees, when nationwide, that is the primary
• the discretion to modify the appeal filing requirements to respond to the situation that seems very open
• With that language as it is, it's kind of open and it does not.

Bills: SB1327 , SB1372 , SB1403 , SB1937 , SB277 , SB2131 , SB1749 , SB1348 , SB1469 , SB2018 , SB1931 , SB1530 , SB2155

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Keywords: tourism, recreation, economic development, Oklahoma Commission, executive director, probation, credits, educational advancement, Oklahoma Statutes, criminal justice reform, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, labor organization, incentives, employer practices, union neutrality, worker rights

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I'm open for questions. Thank you, Representative Marmon.
• This does not open the door to something new. Follow-up. Thank you, Mr.
• This does not open the door to something new. Follow up. Thank you, Mr.
• I just see a lot of the land being tied up and not open to the public. Representative Raibold: Mr.
• Chairman and Representative Scott, you have just hit on one of the primary considerations for why we

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered a proposal to raise licensing and fee caps for the Denturity Board, which sponsors said was needed because testing costs about $1,000 while the current cap is $300 and the board is about $6,000 in the red. Members asked who controls fee increases and were told the legislature sets the cap; the motion to introduce the RS passed, though one member noted support for introduction but uncertainty about the bill’s future. The committee then took up RS 33380, which would prohibit out-of-state contributions and expenditures in Idaho elections. The sponsor argued out-of-state money has become a major influence in campaigns and should be barred to protect Idaho voters. Members raised concerns about constitutionality, possible conflicts with Idaho residency law, loopholes for corporations forming in Idaho, and whether the bill would be ineffective against independent expenditures; despite those concerns, the motion to introduce passed narrowly. Next, the committee considered RS 33385, which would lower the threshold for district-wide city council elections from cities over 100,000 population to those over 25,000. The sponsor said this would improve local accountability and reduce campaign costs in 10 cities. The motion to introduce passed without opposition. The committee then heard H.J.R. 8 and a revised RS 33415 concerning Idaho state and endowment lands, shifting the priority toward ongoing revenue generation while preserving public access and explicitly protecting timber, mining, grazing, and recreation. Testimony from outfitters and recreation operators supported the measure as beneficial to rural economies and public access. H.J.R. 8 was held in committee, and RS 33415 was introduced with an amendment and sent to the Second Reading Calendar with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered RS 33-377, a “shot clock” for initial plan reviews that would require cities, counties, or the state to complete initial review within 30 days for public works projects. The sponsor said the measure would speed permitting, and the motion to introduce passed. One member disclosed a Rule 80 conflict related to a public works license.

Transcript Highlights:

• the university has the opportunity to expand research, strengthen academic excellence, and continue opening
• We have the opportunity to expand research, strengthen our academic excellence, and continue opening
• last several years, including a strategic plan that is coming to its conclusion with its successful primary
• pipeline and line funding, as well as funding support for our new College of Nursing Building that opened
• I value open dialogue, respectful debate, and principled leadership, which I believe are essential at

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education opened by noting it would not present its budget that day, explaining the budget rollout would be delayed until the following week to align with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a roll call confirmed a quorum, the chair explained that because of the large number of gubernatorial appointments, the committee would hear only a subset individually and consider reappointments in a block unless members requested otherwise. The committee then heard testimony from appointees and reappointees to several university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to their alma mater, support for leadership, student success, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and maintaining FAMU’s status as a leading HBCU. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh highlighted FAU’s growth, R1 research designation, quantum computing, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and expanded research opportunities. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins focused on UCF’s preeminence, workforce needs, nursing and engineering, and keeping graduates in Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University nominees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointee Joseph Fogg discussed workforce development, affordability, student success, water and environmental programs, business and entrepreneurship, nursing outcomes, and FGCU’s regional role. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly cited USF’s AAU status, research growth, and focus on student success, health care, cybersecurity, and AI. Committee members generally praised each nominee’s background and the universities’ achievements. At the end of the hearing, the committee approved all nominees in a single block vote for confirmation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• private areas, but the way I'm reading this, my concern is that we are limiting peaceful assembly and open
• That's my primary concern.
• The clerk will open the roll.
• to vote or change their vote, that those who wish to change their vote Her in close row clothes or open
• A clerical opener roll. Ears turned close Close the rule.

Bills: SB1519 , SB1775 , SB1900 , SB1948 , SB2080 , SB1226 , SB1456 , SB1462 , SB1463 , SB1980 , SB1479 , SB1608 , SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's open up a staff report for Senate Bill 6242. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• excise tax, for them to enjoy that if they would so choose, that still does go through a very much an open
• Our primary focus is to help folks understand how to come up with feasible projects, as well as to help
• If you'd like to work with me and the sponsor on any language, I'd be open to hearing it. Great.
• So the new administration has opened the floodgates for forest management.

Bills: SB6211 , SB6234 , SB6242

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: real estate, excise tax, growth management, uniformity, local government, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, shared stewardship, counties authority, land management, environmental agreements, local governance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATORS AND GUESTS IN THE GALLERY RISE FOR THE OPENING PRAYER DELIVERED BY PASTOR EARL GLEASON FROM
• IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE EXACT NUMBERS THAT'S FINE, WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT LATER BUT AS YOU OPENED UP WITH
• HE HAS REALLY OPENED HIS HEART AND THE STATE SWOLLEN TO RURAL FLORIDA.
• Gaetz: THE AMENDMENT REMOVES THE DECLINING REQUIREMENT WHILE MAINTAINING THE FUNDS PRIMARY PURPOSE OF
• IMPLEMENTED A PROGRAM, WE COULDN'T FIND STUDENTS, WE STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MONEY BUT WE WERE OPEN

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It opened four years ago.
• opioid substance misuse, substance use disorder, or opioid use disorder, but also these upstream primary
• You know, there's nothing in the books that says that a county government that's using open to pay a
• Not just the short-term treatment facility that you heard about today that was now getting open, but
• I remember being at your opening when we were here.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there's one primary point of opposition that remains, and that's the escrow provision that..
• I have indicated that if someone can bring to me a better way to do it than this, I'm open-minded and
• open-eared to that.
• They make my fees higher and open me up to... They make my fees higher and open me up to fines.

Bills: SB174 , SB180 , HB196 , HB25 , SB193 , HB25

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, juvenile detention, county management, legal procedures, juvenile justice, county commission, supervision, administration, emergency services, 911

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> open it up. No. Okay. open it up. No. Okay.
• </c> Minnesota's law regarding primary Minnesota's law regarding primary assumption<00:48:36.520><c>
• And after you open the container, open the product, now you got to go through the expense of sending
• </c> already opened up the container. already opened up the container. Read<01:47:42.080><c> this.
• </c><01:49:04.800><c> container,</c><01:49:05.520><c> open</c> And after you open the container, open

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Existing psychiatric emergency services and opened a therapeutic diversion program in October of this
• And so that's the primary tool that we operate under for that.
• Chair, let me take the other testimony, then we'll open for questions.
• I'm open to your suggestions and dialogue on this bill.
• I think the primary purpose is to provide care for people.

Bills: HB216

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: HB216, Texas abortion law, abortion-inducing drug, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, telemedicine, in-person exam, physician presence, out-of-state physician, reproductive healthcare, abortion regulation, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code, consultation services, remote prescribing, pro-life, pro-choice

Summary: The Committee on Public Health met with a quorum and heard public testimony on a long agenda, with members repeatedly reminded of a two-minute limit for witnesses. Several bills were voted out favorably, including HB 2588 on cottage food, HB 1639 on cancer incidence and female firefighters, HB 2581 on a reporting form for contracted services for pregnant women, and SB 922 on electronic disclosure of certain sensitive medical information. Those measures generally passed on party-line or near-unanimous votes, while HB 216 on itemized medical statements was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also left pending HB 5141, HB 4638, HB 2035, HB 4813, HB 2264, HB 4014, and HB 3829 after hearing testimony and questions. The final item introduced in the excerpt was HB 4408 on health care market transparency and corporate consolidation, but the discussion was cut off before testimony or action was completed. A major theme of the hearing was mental health diversion and access to treatment. HB 5141, by Rep. Howard, would allow Travis County to use vacated Austin State Hospital property for a local mental health jail diversion center; law enforcement, the Travis County sheriff, county judge, and urban counties group all testified in support, describing the lack of alternatives for people in crisis and the burden on jails and emergency rooms. Members asked about eligible offenses, bed capacity, and whether the facility would serve only Travis County, and the bill was left pending. HB 2264, by Rep. Schoolcraft, would create a friends-and-family form for loved ones to provide information to providers during emergency mental health treatment; NAMI and hospital groups supported it, while one neutral witness and several members raised concerns about patient control, credibility of information, and liability protections. The bill was also left pending. The committee also heard multiple psychedelic-therapy and drug-policy bills. HB 4813 would speed Texas rescheduling of Schedule I substances if the FDA reclassifies them, with testimony focused on psilocybin and MDMA and their potential use for PTSD and depression; members questioned whether the bill was too broad and how state rescheduling works, and it was left pending. HB 4014 would direct HHSC to study psychedelic therapies, building on prior state research, and witnesses said Texas should prepare regulatory and clinical infrastructure before FDA approval; it too was left pending. HB 2035 would require parents to be informed that they may seek substance-use treatment for a child even if one facility turns them away, prompted by a constituent’s account of a fatal fentanyl overdose after receiving incorrect advice; it was left pending. HB 4638 would extend and expand the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative board and timeline, with the author saying the program is still in early implementation and needs more time, and it was left pending as well. Other bills addressed public health administration and animal welfare. HB 3829 would require a study of the animal-friendly account and its grant process for spay/neuter funding, with the author arguing that the current application and reimbursement process is too burdensome for shelters and nonprofits; no opposition was heard and the bill was left pending. HB 2581 and HB 1639 were reported favorably, while HB 216 drew discussion about enforcement of itemized medical billing and was held after the committee substitute was withdrawn. Throughout the hearing, members also discussed broader concerns about homelessness, competency restoration waitlists, jail overcrowding, and the need for more treatment options outside the criminal justice system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Whitaker, who I think is<00:28:59.840><c> also</c><00:29:00.159><c> a</c><00:29:00.640><c> primary
• </c><00:29:02.080><c> So,</c><00:29:03.200><c> thank</c> is also a primary co-sponsor.
• So, thank is also a primary co-sponsor.
• And then, you know, if that would later cause something else, I definitely think that opens up shop liability
• And then, you know, if that would later cause something else, I definitely think that opens up shop liability

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would restore some language about the primary focus of the insurance fraud program being related
• fraudulent activities committed against insurance companies so that if the amendment were adopted, the new primary
• This would restore some language about the primary focus of the insurance fraud program being related
• fraudulent activities committed against insurance companies so that if the amendment were adopted, the new primary

Bills: HB2483 , HB2477 , HB2274 , HB2394 , HB2624 , HB2240

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: data broker, registry, consumer protection, privacy, data regulation, real estate, appraisal, business operations, regulatory compliance, email regulation, commercial communications, data privacy, electronic mail, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime, penalties, real estate transactions, nonprofit

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas Vitalant was founded in Arizona and remains deeply rooted in the state, serving as the primary
• blood provider... ...in Arizona, remains deeply rooted in the state, serving as the primary blood provider
• The Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Water is assigned as primary committee for House Bill
• HCR 2017, property tax isn't from primary residence; Ways and Means.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then opening remarks and stand for any questions. All right. Thank you.
• And then opening remarks and stand for any questions. All right. Thank you.
• For opening remarks, I would just like to thank Ms. Dupree.
• I was hoping to hear that in your opening comments.
• I was hoping to hear that in your opening comments.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations first for the Idaho Workforce Development Council. Analyst Brooke Dupree reviewed the agency’s statutory role, funding sources, staffing, and FY27 requests, including an ongoing transfer within the In Demand Careers Fund to increase trustee and benefit payments for Idaho Launch grants, a proposal to consolidate the STEM Action Center into the council, and requests for reappropriation authority for several grant funds. Director Wendy Sechrist said Launch, workforce training, semiconductor, and child care grants have produced strong participation and wage gains, and she explained that the proposed STEM merger would transfer remaining dedicated-fund balances to the Workforce Development Training Fund. Members asked about the effect of a $10 million cash transfer on Launch awards, repayment of grants by students who do not meet requirements, and the use of employer training funds; Sechrist said wording such as “up to $10 million” would avoid reducing awards and that the agency is still exploring debt collection options. The committee then reviewed the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dupree outlined the agency’s vocational rehabilitation and independent living services, its dedicated funds, and FY27 requests for additional appropriation to spend Social Security reimbursement revenue and for replacement vehicles from the adaptive aids fund. Administrator Beth Cunningham said the agency uses those funds to support clients’ employment and independence, and that the requested increases would help cover needed vehicles and offset other costs. She also said holdbacks would have a modest effect on services, including reduced site restoration funding and some cuts to client services and travel. Finally, the Idaho State Historical Society presented its budget. Dupree described the agency’s preservation mission, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY27 requests, including $450,000 for the second year of moving state records and collections into a new archives addition, plus IT hardware and reappropriation authority. Director Janet Gallimore emphasized stewardship of state records and artifacts, the importance of the collections move, and the agency’s role in America 250 activities. Members asked about archaeological review travel, the agency’s long tenure, and the use of miscellaneous revenue; Gallimore agreed to provide travel records and thanked the committee for its support. The meeting ended with a presentation of historical artifacts and adjournment until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3172, the Yes in God's Backyard Bill, will enable church and faith organizations to open their
• But our primary concern is the military mission of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.
• That's against the Open Meetings Act. However, three legally can say, "We're against this," right?
• I ask opponents of this bill to open up your hearts, take another look, and think about all the young
• The zoning process that we did specifically to try to open up the market and flex the market.

Bills: HB24 , HB2015 , HB2149 , HB2559 , HB2701 , HB2797 , HB3172 , HB24

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan