Video & Transcript : 'retiree support' :

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FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 5th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • for Prosperity, Waving and Support, and Andrew Rutledge, Florida Realtors, waiving and support.
  • We have quite a few people speaking or waiving in support: Seth Miller, waiving in support, Innocence
  • Smart Justice, waiving in support; Aaron Waite, waiving in support; Katie Bonnet, Alliance for Safety
  • and Justice, waiving in support; and Alexius Baker, waiving in support.
  • , waving in support.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and first approved SPB 7014, which terminates the state court system’s mediation and arbitration trust fund; staff noted the fund has no current balance and that filing fees were already redirected in 2011. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill without objection. The committee then took up CS/SB 48 on alternative judicial procedures for foreclosure sales. Senator Garcia described it as a response to reported abuses in Miami-Dade County, adding longer sale timeframes, stronger notice requirements, rules for alternative sale methods, online auction authorization, and consumer protections for surplus funds. After adopting a technical amendment, members raised concerns about whether the bill was codifying a process they believed should remain with clerks of court and about the new online auction provisions; Senator Garcia ultimately moved to temporarily postpone the bill. Members also approved CS/SB 322, creating a nonjudicial process for sheriffs to remove unauthorized persons from commercial property, and CS/SB 138, which revises DUI-related language from “intoxicating” to “impairing” and allows judicial circuits to create DUI diversion programs. CS/SB 138 drew opposition from some members and testimony from cannabis advocates and defense lawyers who argued the catch-all language was too broad and could sweep in lawful medications or create testing and expungement issues, but it still passed. The committee further reported favorably SB 130 on wrongful incarceration compensation, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars to compensation, and SB 234, which strengthens penalties for violent resistance against law enforcement officers and clarifies that such resistance can lead to life imprisonment if it results in an officer’s death. Both bills received supportive testimony, though SB 234 also drew concerns from defense lawyers about removing language tied to lawful duty and good faith; the sponsor said the bill preserves defenses while focusing on violent resistance. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • This press conference is made possible by the support of our incredible partners.
  • I will always need these types of supports in my lifetime to participate in my community.
  • me sometimes with the way he supports and opposes things, but, um.
  • Don't take it from special education services because our kiddos really need support, um.
  • We appreciate your support.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Transportation May 28th, 2026

Joint Committee on Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • are trying to earn a living and support their family.
  • Everybody may phone call and support this bill, which has expressed support for safer and more responsible
  • Senator McGee was a big supporter as well at the time.
  • I support, and Friends of Natick Trails supports, Senate Bill 3077.
  • I urge support that you report this bill favorably moving forward.
Bills: H5400, H5421, H5430, S3077, S3089
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • HAP is one of the very few funding sources that supports our...
  • that supports operations, not just capital.
  • And our county HAP is support.
  • We are here to voice our strong support for the $1 billion...
  • So we're really asking for support for that program.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Some of the supports that our provider members provide are residential supports, day program supports
  • Some examples of the supports that our provider members provide are residential supports, day program
  • supports, employment, transportation, clinical supports, and that's across the Commonwealth.
  • , and supported employment.
  • Community-based day supports dropped to 14%.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved the prior November minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, noting 102 of 132 members responded. The report showed continued improvement in staffing: overall vacancy rates fell from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, with declines across programs such as adult long-term residential, community-based day supports, supported employment, and day rehabilitation. However, vacancies remain high, especially for licensed practical nurses and clinicians, and nearly 4,000 positions were still unfilled. Providers also reported that almost 1,800 people remain waiting for day services. A major new focus in the survey was health insurance costs. Nearly 90% of respondents reported premium increases averaging 11%, and providers said those increases make it harder to offer competitive wages and benefits and hurt recruitment and retention. ADDP said the survey will be repeated in the fall and emphasized that while Chapter 257 investments appear to have helped reduce vacancies, rising insurance costs, immigration-related workforce pressures, and other affordability issues could threaten progress. Commissioners and presenters discussed the need to maintain gains, the importance of keeping the survey manageable while preserving historical comparisons, and the role of immigration and workforce policy in staffing stability. The subcommittee then elected new co-chairs, unanimously approving Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian. Members discussed possible topics and speakers for the next meeting, including training and turnover, direct support professional pipelines, apprenticeships, PCA training, and workforce models from other states. Several names and organizations were suggested for outreach, including Josh Cutler, Juan Vega, JVS, HSRI, and NASDDDS. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 2nd, 2026 at 01:54 pm

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we're very supportive of this.
  • I am here in support of House Bill 200.
  • So I urge you to support this bill.
  • We stand in strong support of House Bill 200.
  • I urge your support today for HB 145.
Keywords: 996, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Status of Persons with Disabilities Jan 29th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Examples of some of the supports that our provider members provide are things like residential supports
  • , day program supports, employment, transportation, clinical supports, and that's across the Commonwealth
  • , and supported employment.
  • Community-based day supports dropped to 14%.
  • From 2024 to 2025, staff vacancy rates declined for community-based day supports, down to 14%; supported
Keywords: 1212, all
Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, which covers community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries. The survey had strong participation, with 102 of 132 members responding, and this year included new questions on rising health insurance costs. ADDP reported that workforce conditions have improved for a third consecutive year, with the overall vacancy rate falling from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, and vacancy declines across several program areas. However, vacancies remain high in key roles such as licensed practical nurses and clinicians, nearly 4,000 positions remain unfilled, and about 1,800 people are still waiting for day services. Providers also reported major health insurance premium increases, which they said make it harder to offer competitive wages and benefits and affect recruitment and retention. Committee members discussed the impact of federal immigration policy, workforce shortages, and the need to maintain recent gains in staffing. The subcommittee then elected Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian as co-chairs by vote. Members discussed possible topics and guests for the next meeting, including training, turnover, waiting lists, direct support professional pipelines, apprenticeships, and possible speakers from state agencies, advocacy organizations, other states, and workforce programs such as JVS. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our team is dedicated to supporting children with celiac disease and their families.
  • I'm here today in support of Bill 9-2.
  • I'm here today in support of Bill 92928 and 5013.
  • I urge this committee to support these two bills.
  • I want to start by strongly saying that I strongly support the intent of this bill.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening at ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the transcript focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. For the celiac proposal, Rep. Badger and Sen. Lovely described long diagnostic delays, the lack of a cure, and the potential for a simple blood test to identify children earlier and reduce long-term harm. Multiple patients, clinicians, and researchers supported the pilot, saying celiac is frequently missed because symptoms vary widely or are absent, and that early detection could prevent malnutrition, growth problems, osteoporosis, and other complications. Testifiers also emphasized that the bill would study feasibility, accuracy, cost, and acceptability, and would include family education and support resources if diagnoses are made through the program. Several experts and advocates backed the celiac screening pilot, including a pediatric gastroenterologist from Italy who described successful national screening efforts there, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, pediatric gastroenterologists from Massachusetts and Colorado, a pediatric dietitian, and a parent whose child was diagnosed after severe malnutrition. They argued that routine screening alongside existing pediatric bloodwork could identify many undiagnosed children and improve health equity, since celiac disease is often overlooked in people of color and lower-income patients. Committee members asked about how the screening would work, and witnesses explained it could begin with a blood test, followed by confirmatory endoscopy if needed. No vote was taken in the hearing. On H. 5087, witnesses from the medical aesthetics industry largely opposed the bill as written, saying it was outdated, redundant with existing Massachusetts licensing and board oversight, and too restrictive for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed providers. Testifiers, including a retired lobbyist, a nurse practitioner, a PA, a plastic surgeon, and a clinic owner, said the bill could reduce access, raise costs, and push care into less regulated settings, while not addressing the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Committee members pressed for more specific feedback on what provisions were unnecessary or duplicative, and witnesses said they had submitted position papers and written testimony identifying conflicts with current law. The hearing ended with the chair noting that all oral and written testimony would be reviewed before any decisions are made.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 27th, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I just want to make sure that I lend my voice in support.”
  • So he was a tremendous support for everybody that ever came in contact with him. ...support for everybody
  • We have cards present in support.
  • I just can't support it.
  • So, yes, I rise in support of your bill. Thank you.
Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Monday, April 27, with a quorum present and took up a series of Senate bills and one House concurrent resolution, most of them related to transportation infrastructure, memorial highway designations, and prestige license plates. Early action centered on Senate Bill 122, which would direct the Department of Transportation and Development to be more proactive about bridge maintenance, inspection, reporting, and public meetings on bridge conditions; the committee adopted a large amendment package before reporting the bill with amendments. The committee also reported favorably SCR 6 supporting an LNG facility at Port Fourchon and SCR 18 directing a study of commercial driver’s license privileges compared with neighboring states. Several bills designated memorial highways or bridges, including SB 50 for the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, SB 70 for the Officer Mark Brock Memorial Highway, SB 460 for the Hayden Lane Mangum Memorial Highway, SB 101 for the Daniel Edward Didillo Memorial Highway and Bill Blue Evans Memorial Highway, SB 160 for the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway, SB 418 for the Dick and Jacques Schuford Memorial Highway, SB 103 for the Gladys Edwards Highway, SB 159 for the Surgeon Roelio Roy Gonzalez Jr. Memorial Highway, SB 182 for the Mayor Billy Cobb Memorial Highway, SB 104 for the Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway, and SB 2 for the Falcons Band Highway. The committee also approved SB 114 creating a prestige plate for the Foundation for Moral Law and SB 96 creating a Fallen Heroes prestige plate. One of the more substantive policy items was HCR 63, which creates a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel without civilian driver’s licenses should be allowed to operate federally owned vehicles on state highways; it was reported favorably after discussion of military training and licensing differences. Another major item was HCR 69, urging DOTD to improve Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish; the committee adopted amendments adding findings about flooding, drainage, and evacuation concerns, and then reported the resolution with amendments. The committee also considered SB 19 on the state employee retired prestige plate; after objections about whether proceeds should continue supporting LASERS, the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote, 13-1, with Representative Schamberhorn voting no.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Status of Persons with Disabilities Feb 26th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so we really appreciate the support that they provide.
  • We have recovery coach apprenticeships that we're supporting.
  • to practically support employers developing apprenticeship programs.
  • Certainly, I would lend my support to that.
  • Support side or the employment for people with disabilities side.
Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in the Healey-Driscoll administration. Cutler described apprenticeship as a key workforce tool, especially for sectors with labor shortages, and highlighted growth in early education, health care, banking, bio, and human services. He noted the administration’s milestones and supports, including reaching 10,000 registered apprenticeships, expanding the registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATSY), lowering program fees, adding apprenticeship liaisons, and issuing Grow grants to help employers start programs. Members focused on how apprenticeship could better serve people with disabilities and human services employers. They raised examples such as sterile processing, radiology, PCA services, developmental disability supports, and community college partnerships, and asked how smaller or lower-paid providers could afford to participate. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include on-the-job learning, related instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages, and employers largely design their own programs. He said the state can support through tax credits, grants, and intermediaries such as trade associations or disability organizations that help employers navigate the process. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of intermediaries, and possible collaboration with community colleges and organizations like Commonwealth Corporation. Cutler said Eastern Bank did not currently have a program but could be a potential partner, and he confirmed that the RATSY credit is $4,800 per apprentice, with a cap and online application process, and that it can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit. The subcommittee agreed to follow up with Cutler’s team, identify a few priority occupations, and consider a targeted panel or information session to help expand apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and in human services.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Feb 18th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're not trying to have people not pay child support.
  • In support of House Bill 2539. Thank you.
  • Thank you, and I do support this bill.
  • And I'm here in strong support of House Bill 2539.
  • The Arc strongly supports 2350.
Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2539 would raise the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100, allowing incarcerated people to retain more money for commissary items like hygiene products, postage, and medications before deductions for legal financial obligations, child support, and other debts. Representative Street said the bill is meant to better cover essentials without stopping debt repayment. Testifiers from Civil Survival, incarcerated people, and family advocates supported the bill, describing current commissary prices, low prison wages, and the burden on families. The committee also heard that the Department of Corrections expects some indeterminate implementation costs and IT expenses. No vote was taken. House Bill 2510 would require the Department of Corrections to supervise anyone sentenced to community custody for stalking, regardless of risk classification. Representative Burnett said the bill is intended to protect victims and give them peace of mind. Staff explained that the bill is narrower than a related measure heard earlier because it applies only to people sentenced to community custody, typically at the superior court level. Victim advocates and survivors testified in strong support, describing stalking cases that escalated to severe threats and violence and arguing that mandatory supervision could prevent future harm. The hearing was closed without action. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319 and Substitute House Bill 2350, both concerning residential habilitation centers. HB 2319 would rename Fircrest School and Rainier School to remove the word “school” and better reflect their current role as residential habilitation centers; supporters said the old terminology is outdated and confusing, while the sponsor said the bill is a clarification only and does not change services or funding. HB 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and other designated people when an RHC falls out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to post plain-language notices at the facility. Supporters from Disability Rights Washington, The Arc, and self-advocates said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The committee closed public hearing on both bills, and the meeting adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Republican Press Conference 2/26/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • But the building wasn't supporting the concept, and I started teaching teachers and first responders
  • the concept of run hiide fight I support the concept of run hiide fight I refus<00:04:19.919><c> to<
  • doesn't support the response the<00:04:27.800><c> officers</c><00:04:28.120><c> are</c><00:04:28.280
  • <c> kids</c> of prevention of supporting these kids of prevention of supporting these kids through<00
  • </c><00:07:54.199><c> of</c><00:07:54.400><c> this</c> serious um supporter of this serious um supporter
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 4/21/26

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I'm here to support the project. in here here to support this project in here here to support this
  • </c> I'm here to support the project. I'm here to support the project.
  • </c> responsive solution and support responsive solution and support community<00:21:53.920><c> led</
  • I'm here to express my strong support and asking for your support for House File 4623.
  • </c> greatly appreciate your support. greatly appreciate your support.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/18/25

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:24:20.159><c> the</c> closing we are thrilled to support the closing we are thrilled to support
  • Thank you. support of this bill I uh am very support of this bill I uh am very excited<00:31:16.600><
  • , may never achieve the dream of home ownership. support Cappy's home ownership education support Cappy's
  • </c><00:41:57.760><c> may</c> families who without this support may families who without this support
  • </c><00:56:44.359><c> SF</c> urge you to support SF urge you to support SF 2503<00:56:46.720><c> because
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/08/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:06:38.600><c> and</c> the for the legislature's support and the for the legislature's support
  • </c> your support and thank you. your support and thank you.
  • </c> again, uh supported across party lines. again, uh supported across party lines.
  • Be broadly supported.
  • </c> 40% so you could support us up here?" 40% so you could support us up here?"
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for your time and we support and hope you support this bill.
  • Thank you for your time and we support and hope you support this bill.
  • Thank you for your time and we support and hope you support this bill.
  • Thank you for your time and we support and hope you support this bill.
  • </c> support and hope you support this bill. support and hope you support this bill.
Bills: HF3902, HF3895
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session (Jun 30 2026)

Pennsylvania House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I rise in support of House Resolution 528.
  • I do support the underlying bill.
  • I stand today in support of House Bill 2359.
  • I rise in support of House Bill 2460.
  • I rise in support of House Bill 2499.
Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all
Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and first handled routine business including postponing approval of the prior journal and confirming a quorum. Several committee reports were adopted, including measures from Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Tourism and Recreation and Economic Development, Appropriations, Rules, Commerce, and Environmental and Natural Resource Protection. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 531, designating June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month, after testimony from Rep. DeLosier and discussion of a constituent’s experience with severe scoliosis; the resolution passed 201-1. The House then adopted a series of additional resolutions and bills, including Diaper Need Awareness Week, a study on PANS/PANDAS, 717 Day, Little League World Series Week, and a resolution commemorating America 250 in Pennsylvania. It also passed bills on Sunshine Act agenda notice changes, veteran death notifications, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, township audit deadlines, first responder memorials, road transfers, parole board succession, and restrictions on HOA limits for rooftop solar. The solar bill drew multiple failed amendments on HOA voting rules, native plants, energy-source discrimination, and net metering; one amendment on indemnification for elected officials at special events was adopted. In final passage votes, the House approved legislation to prohibit NDAs related to data centers, with debate centered on transparency and local control; it passed 171-31. The chamber also passed bills allowing Pittsburgh school administrators to collectively bargain, requiring hunting and trapping education options in schools, expanding SWIF’s equity investment authority, and scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule 3 controlled substance. The Counseling Compact bill and a parole-record privilege bill both passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the House signed those measures for presentation to the Governor. The session ended with referrals of new bills to committees, a motion to adjourn, and adjournment until July 1, 2026.
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session (Jun 22 2026)

Pennsylvania House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I ask for your support on House Bill 133. Thank you.
  • I support House Bill 2224.
  • I support that.
  • I support accountability. I support accountability in every dollar that leaves this chamber.
  • But I would support that increase. I will support that increase.
Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved several journals, and welcomed a number of guests, including Irish dignitaries, scholarship winners, interns, student pages, and members of Omega Psi Phi. After confirming a quorum, the chamber received committee reports and referred new bills and resolutions, then recessed for caucuses and committee meetings before returning to floor action. In the afternoon session, the House considered several bills and amendments. It approved amendments to House Bills 426, 1127, 2551, and Senate Bill 146, while rejecting an amendment to HB 1127 that would have tightened background-check requirements for out-of-state dentists. The chamber also agreed to HB 2234, which creates a spent grain donation tax credit and updates the malt beverage tax credit, and HB 2551, which limits text-message notices by the Turnpike Commission and other agencies about unpaid fines, fees, or tolls. Senate Bill 146, creating the Veterans Trust Fund Board, was amended to add audit-related changes and then agreed to. The House then took final passage votes on several bills. HB 133, allowing a process to petition for reinstatement of parental rights, passed 191-11; HB 138, barring parental incarceration as the sole basis for termination of parental rights, passed 200-2; HB 2207, on capital development loans, passed 202-0; and HB 2224, dealing with utility rate and tax-related changes, passed 202-0 after extensive debate over affordability, consumer protections, and tax relief. HB 2473, repealing the Flood Insurance Education Information Act of 1996, also passed unanimously, and HB 2544, addressing school administrator rights and compensation disputes, passed 141-61. The most extensive debate centered on HB 2632, which reallocates educational tax credit caps and replaces the EITC and OSTC programs with a new options tax credit framework beginning in 2027-28. Supporters said it would improve transparency, accountability, and access for the poorest students, while opponents argued it would reduce scholarship opportunities, add burdens, and harm families and schools that rely on the current programs. After lengthy debate, the House passed HB 2632 by a vote of 105-97. The chamber then announced a Finance Committee voting meeting, recommitted several bills to Appropriations, and adjourned until June 23, 2026.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We've got support from the cattlemen. It's the same bill that you guys supported last year.
  • So I appreciate your support. Thank you. Appreciate your support. Thank you.
  • I'm here in support of this measure and this bill.
  • While I support and I appreciate Rep.
  • Mark Shakespeare with Caddo Lake Institute, wishing to speak, or just in support? In support?
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of coastal, seafood, wildlife, and environmental measures. House Bill 851 by Rep. Ilg, which adds intentional mass balloon releases to the gross intentional littering statute, drew support from agriculture, wildlife, and environmental groups because of impacts on livestock, wildlife, power lines, and waterways; members clarified it targets organized intentional releases, not accidental releases by children, and it was reported favorably. House Bill 652 by Rep. Broe adding a non-voting Department of Agriculture appointee to the Oyster Task Force was also reported favorably, as were House Bills 349 and 588 by Rep. Domain to expand the imported seafood safety fund’s uses and add oyster, crab, and finfish representation to the Seafood Safety Task Force. House Bill 721 by Rep. Kerner setting a 5:30 a.m. shrimp trawling start time in certain bays, House Bill 857 clarifying labeling rules for commingled imported and domestic seafood, House Bill 669 expanding state property use for Grand Isle oyster research, and House Bill 889 creating bulk tagging for oysters were each supported by industry and agency witnesses and reported favorably. House Bill 688 by Rep. Ogeron adding Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish was backed by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and fishing guides and was also reported favorably. The committee spent significant time on House Bill 653 by Rep. Beham, which would require one of two United Commercial Fishermen appointees to the Oyster Task Force to be a St. Bernard Parish resident. Rep. Beham argued the parish deserves a guaranteed voice because of oyster industry impacts from freshwater intrusion and the BP spill, while opponents including the Oyster Task Force chairman said the parish-specific requirement would make vacancies harder to fill and should be worked out through the task force or by amending another bill. After debate, an amendment was adopted, but the bill itself ultimately received a favorable report. Testimony throughout the meeting emphasized the economic and cultural importance of Louisiana seafood, the need to combat imported seafood fraud, and the role of oyster cultivation and shrimping in coastal communities. House Resolution 20 by Rep. McCormick, urging the Department of Conservation and Energy to study industrial water use from Caddo Lake, prompted a broader discussion about data centers and water withdrawals. Department witness Monique Edwards explained current state limits on regulating surface water withdrawals and said more authority may be needed for comprehensive water management; committee members asked for a future departmental presentation on data center water use. The resolution was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Sawyer moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Transportation May 8th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge you to support CSHB 4868 to create safer roads for all Texans.
  • I'm here to testify in support of CSHB 4868, the Texas Safety Yield.
  • While we support responsible growth, the lack of representation.
  • Uh, as it relates to trails and state parks, do you support?
  • We have letters of support from our appointing.