Transcript Highlights:

• In closing, this bill is really about fairness.
• And with that, we'll close the hearing on 2479. Thank you. I don't see any questions.
• And with that, we'll close the hearing on 2479 and open up our executive session.
• An employer must transmit this notice in the primary method of communication typically used by the employer

Bills: HB2479 , HB2091 , HB2105 , HB2107 , HB2151 , HB2190 , HB2191 , HB2218 , HB2243 , HB2303 , HB2345

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: unpaid wages, wage theft, wage recovery, labor standards, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, worker protection, low-wage workers, back pay, interest on wages, civil penalties, retaliation, immigration status coercion, gig workers, transportation network companies, rideshare drivers, app-based drivers, employment law, wage complaint, payroll enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Senator Garcia, you are recognized to close on the amendment. Way, close. Thank you.
• And Senator Garcia, you are recognized to close on the bill as amended.
• Next project I want to talk about very quickly: there's a 1.6-mile overhaul of the primary roads at Cary

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present and took up SB 302 by Senator Garcia, which would promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Garcia said the bill would direct DEP to adopt statewide guidelines, encourage local restoration projects through existing grant programs, streamline permitting for green and hybrid infrastructure, support workforce training, and require a study on flood-risk and insurance benefits. Senator Harrell asked about implementation, existing statutory authority, and possible fiscal impacts. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that hybrid infrastructure need only combine green and gray elements, not prove superiority over either alone. The committee heard supportive testimony on SB 302 from Katie Bauman of Surfrider Foundation, who said nature-based approaches such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves are cost-effective and protective, and several organizations waived in support, including the Environmental Defense Fund of Florida, the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and 1,000 Friends of Florida. Senator Harrell said she supported the concept but remained concerned about the breadth of rulemaking and the fiscal implications of workforce funding. After closing remarks from Garcia, the committee voted to report CS for SB 302 favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations on land management. Brian Bradner of DEP reviewed Florida State Parks management, including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, cultural resource preservation, visitor use, and budgeted land-management activities. Melissa Tucker of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission described wildlife management areas, emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ranch infrastructure, public access, and the economic value of the system. Rick Dolan of the Florida Forest Service outlined state forest management funded through a $20 million appropriation, including road and facility work, recreation upgrades, invasive species control, reforestation, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, and boundary marking. Senators praised the agencies’ work and noted the ongoing cost of managing state lands. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• interest rates they attained<00:04:07.799><c> on</c><00:04:07.959><c> their</c><00:04:08.239><c> primary
• </c><00:04:09.079><c> mortgages</c><00:04:10.079><c> uh</c> attained on their primary mortgages uh attained
• on their primary mortgages uh this<00:04:10.480><c> means</c><00:04:10.799><c> more</c><00:04:11.040
• Cocking, I know that you worked really closely with Representative Tab Key last session on some of the
• to the end of the with that we are close to the end of the committee<01:44:22.360><c> time</c><01:44

Bills: HF1865 , HF2014 , HF2028

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, I close. Representative Salzman having closed on her bill.
• I waive close. Representative Kincard Johnson having waived close. Kendall, please call the vote.
• With that, I close. Representative Koster having closed on her bill. Kendall, please call the roll.
• Representative Kendall, you are recognized to Close on your amendment. Wave close.
• Seeing no further debate, Representative Kendall, you are to close on C.S. for HB 325. Waive close.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bradley, you're recognized to close. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Broder, you're recognized to close on the amendment. Wave close.
• Senator Martin, you are recognized to close on the amendment.
• Senator Harrell, you are recognized to close on the amendment. Wave close.
• Senator Harrell, you're recognized to close on the amendment. Wave close.

Bills: S0698 , S0958 , S1066 , S1230 , S1288

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: onsite sewage treatment, disposal systems, building permits, environmental regulation, local government authority, drinking straws, stirrers, local regulation, compostable, environmental impact, Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver Springs, river restoration, dam removal, Kirkpatrick Dam, Buckman Lock, Cross Florida Barge Canal, environmental restoration, springs protection

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ESF remains the state's primary reserve emergency fund.
• Public testimony is closed. Thank you, members.
• There being none, public testimony is closed, and the chair recognizes Chairman King to close on his
• There being none, public testimony is closed, and the chair recognizes Representative to close on this
• There being none, public testimony is closed. Thank you, members. I close.

Bills: HB 104 , HB2054 , HB3459 , HB3745 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4601 , HB104

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, HB 2054, Texas volunteer fire department assistance fund, Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, volunteer fire departments, wildfire mitigation, wildland fire, rural fire protection, insurer assessment, insurance premium tax, state appropriations, firefighting grants, emergency services, high-risk wildfire areas, Texas Comptroller, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Chairman Guerin to close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I close.
• The chair recognizes Chairman Wally to close on the bill. Thank you. I'll close. Thank you.
• Seeing no one who wishes to testify, I'll recognize you to close on the measure. I close here.
• And I would respectfully reserve the right to close, sir.
• With that, I close.

Bills: HB573 , HB1499 , HB1768 , HB3071 , HB3249 , HB3866 , HB4112

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit

Transcript Highlights:

• the figures that I just walked through, but when you look at households in which English is not a primary
• It is their primary responsibility.
• </c> is their primary is their primary responsibility<00:38:12.119><c> Senator</c><00:38:12.520><c> mqu
• We work very closely with her.
• </c> patients are identified by their primary patients are identified by their primary or<01:58:01.480

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do believe, though, that there are currently some organizations paying rent to themselves or a closely
• Paying rent to themselves or a closely related lessor.
• I think probably those in the business would say that that site availability is tapped out or close to
• Out or close to tapped out, unless you have new bars being built and new availability to get in sites
• Under North Dakota Century Code, to be considered an eligible organization, their primary purpose may

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information. The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval. The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Hurch can step in, and Miss Stevens can step in and close that facility.
• It closely aligned with this bill.
• You know, my son's a primary care physician.
• You know, my son's a primary care physician.
• You know, my son's a primary care physician.

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:35 SB 22 Discussion 00:01:20 SB 22 Vote 00:11:45 SB 100 Discussion 00:15:07 SB 100 Vote 00:38:53 SB 88 Discussion Only 00:42:11 Adjournment 01:03:52, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 18, 2025, and first took up Senate Bill 22 by Senator Reginald Thomas, which was presented as a cleanup measure following prior cosmetology reforms and a Legislative Oversight and Investigations report. The bill would allow cosmetologists to retake exams multiple times with a one-month wait, authorize the Board of Cosmetology to immediately close facilities that intentionally use unlicensed workers while preserving due process, give the board flexibility to hire an executive director based on qualifications rather than licensure, and recognize certain out-of-state or territorial cosmetology licenses. Board officials said the changes were intended to improve fairness, equality, and administrative due process. Senators asked about retesting fees and whether partial retests could dilute standards; Thomas clarified that the exam is cumulative and must be retaken in full. The committee approved SB 22 with all favorable votes, and Senator Meredith explained his support as a workforce and fairness issue. The committee then heard Senate Bill 100 by Senator Jimmy Higdon, as substituted, concerning tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product retail licensing and enforcement. Youth advocates from the University of Kentucky testified in support, describing youth nicotine use as a public health crisis and urging stronger enforcement, annual compliance checks, retailer licensing, and tougher penalties for illegal sales to minors. Higdon said the bill would create a Division of Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vapor Products Licensing within ABC, require licenses for retailers, authorize inspections and confiscation of contraband, impose escalating criminal and civil penalties for unlicensed sales and sales to minors, publish a list of licensed retailers, and dedicate fine revenue to enforcement and youth education. He said the measure targeted bad actors rather than responsible retailers. A retailer witness also supported licensing but raised concerns about contradictory product definitions that could sweep in hemp and medical marijuana vapor products, and asked that the bill be delayed until after an expected Supreme Court decision affecting federal vapor-product rules. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 100, before any committee vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm a little, I want to close the loop of the gap between some of these other businesses that have
• And I'll reiterate it again before I close, as we told you so when we were sitting at the county, or
• It sounds like you're trying to close. And am I correct in that?
• Would you like to close, Senator? I'm sure.
• Our primary goal, as we work through the bill, is to try to protect the students.

Bills: SB246 , SB146 , SB300 , SB301 , SB309 , SM17

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: massage therapy, licensure, health and safety standards, continuing education, establishment licensing, civil rights, sovereign immunity, damages, public body, lawsuit limitations, legal notice, child welfare, computing infrastructure, data management, Department of Health, appropriation, foster care, Indian children, cultural competency, training services

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been working closely with the Manzano Lane... grant to try to get them across the finish line with
• This approach was intended to allow communities to avoid waiting to close on the loan until after they
• We work closely on the community governance attorney program changes that came out this year.
• We worked really closely with New Mexico...
• Part of the work that we do is just making sure that those gaps are closed to whatever degree possible

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Secretary, close the machine. 29 members present, Mr. President.
• Madam Secretary, close the machine. Senator Barrow, yes. Madam Secretary, close the machine.
• All right, Senator Morris to close on your bill. All right, Senator Morris, to close on your bill.
• Close the machine: 12 coauthors.
• Madam Secretary, close the machine. Bartholomew, Harris.

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , HB75 , HB1222 , SB121 , SB312 , SB348 , SB485 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR54 , HCR79 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR104 , HCR32 , HB944 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB410 , HB750 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB149 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB784 , HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• I will now close the public hearing on Senate gubernatorial appointment...
• It was in close proximity.
• And I will close the public hearing on Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9288.
• I will now close the public hearing on Senate gubernatorial appointment.
• I will now close the public hearing on Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9296.

Bills: SGA9314 , SGA9282 , SGA9288 , SGA9296 , SGA9232 , SGA9233 , SGA9235 , SGA9236 , SGA9237

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any closing comments? Uh, sorry, Senator. Yeah, not a problem.
• </c><00:09:06.959><c> No,</c> Senator Hostra for closing comments?
• No, Senator Hostra for closing comments?
• Seeing none, any closing comments?
• </c> government that we have close ties with. government that we have close ties with.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It really is because there is no setback, and this one is very close.
• It really is because there is no setback, and this one is very close.
• We find a lot of them are very close to I-94, but it's really close to the interstate and the off-ramp
• I'm just going to close here.
• This highlights the primary areas of regulation for the PUC.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, my closing statement is just that um this is an expensive bill.
• He said they have three primary concerns about the bill.
• He said they have three primary concerns about the bill.
• Any closing comments before we leave?
• Any closing comments before we much. Any closing comments before we leave?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They're very close to us. It's easy for a doctor to prefer to live in Colorado to New Mexico.
• In those negotiations, we reached a lot of common ground, and we came very close to a deal.
• I was in close contact with the governor's office as to how those conversations were proceeding.
• You know, 99% of cases probably would never even come close to the cap.
• This is the exact same closed-loop system proposed in this legislation.

Bills: HB99 , HJR5 , HM39 , HB206 , HB213 , SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform measure. Sponsor Chair Chandler and Minority Leader Armstrong described months of stakeholder negotiations aimed at balancing patient compensation with concerns from physicians, hospitals, and insurers about litigation costs, punitive damages, and access to care. The committee substitute kept the existing monetary damage caps but changed several provisions, including definitions of “occurrence” and “value of medical care,” treatment of future medical expenses, a higher clear-and-convincing standard for punitive damages, a two-step process before punitive damages can be pled, and a lower punitive-damages cap for smaller providers versus a higher cap for large hospital systems. Supporters said the bill would help recruit and retain doctors and stabilize the malpractice market; opponents argued it weakens accountability, especially for corporate and out-of-state hospital systems, and several speakers urged a stronger amendment to preserve patient rights. After debate, the committee voted 10-0 to give the House Judiciary Committee substitute for HB 99 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 5, which would amend the state constitution to allow legislative compensation. Sponsors and supporters said paying legislators would make service more accessible to working people, parents, rural residents, and others without independent wealth, and would broaden representation. Several advocacy groups and individual commenters backed the proposal, while members raised questions about the pay formula, with the resolution tying compensation to the state median income. Some members supported the idea but preferred a salary commission or a different mechanism. The committee approved HJR 5 on a 7-3 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing House Memorial 39, which calls for a task force to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits and report on backlog progress. Sponsor Rep. Ferrari and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs explained that a prior task force a decade ago found more than 5,000 untested kits and led to policy changes, including the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights and a statewide tracking system. The memorial is intended to reassess whether backlogs remain and recommend further fixes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our vision at the department is to be the primary destination for venturesome travelers.
• We do need to have conveniences and rest areas closed and those types of things.
• It's 100% paid for by the developer, not ratepayers We're closed loop water system.
• Again, that water system is a closed loop water system.
• We'll need to be working very closely together as we move forward.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a major effort in closing the wage gap, which Latinas experience the most.
• Macias has authored every report in this series and has partnered closely with HOPE to ensure the data
• Providers' primary concern is for the families and children they serve, and they are deeply concerned
• For example, nationals from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala combined represented close to 22% of
• A lot of them work very closely with us on all of the different issues.

Summary: The Select Committee on Latina Inequities met at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, hosted by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and joined by Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Rodriguez opened by framing the committee’s work around the economic status of Latinas and the effects of federal policies on the economy and social safety net, while the college president welcomed the committee and described campus services for undocumented and housing-insecure students. Rodriguez also emphasized the local impact of immigration enforcement in the San Fernando Valley and said the hearing would focus on Latinas’ economic conditions, immigration enforcement impacts on the workforce and safety, and H.R. 1’s effects on the safety net. The first panel featured HOPE’s Maria Morales and Dr. Elsa Macias, who presented findings from HOPE’s National Economic Status of Latinas report. They said Latinas are a major and growing part of California’s population and workforce, but face persistent inequities, including a large wage gap, higher unemployment, high uninsured rates, student debt, and affordability pressures around child care, housing, and education. They also discussed entrepreneurship, noting both the growth of Latina-owned businesses and barriers such as limited access to capital, technical assistance, and retirement and health coverage. In response to committee questions, they said higher education can still offer a strong return on investment, but only if students can complete degrees without being overwhelmed by debt and care costs; they also pointed to policy solutions such as SB 642, mentorship, financial literacy, CalSavers access, and support for community development financial institutions. The second panel focused on immigration enforcement and Latina safety in the workforce. Luis Nolasco of the ACLU described arrests tied to apparent ethnicity and Spanish-speaking, the chilling effect on families, and the loss of wages, school attendance, and mobility. Dr. Amada Armenta said immigration enforcement harms California’s economy, public health, and mixed-status families, and noted that undocumented workers are concentrated in agriculture, construction, and child care. SEIU’s Jen Baca Beltran said raids and school-based enforcement traumatize children and families and highlighted the need for Know Your Rights trainings. Megan Ortiz of IDEPSCA described repeated Border Patrol raids on day labor centers, injuries to staff, and the need to protect worker centers, domestic workers, and street vendors. Inclusive Action’s Shannon Camacho said raids have forced many informal workers to stop working, prompted emergency cash assistance and rent relief efforts, and strengthened advocacy for vendor protections and CDFI support. CHIRLA’s Jeanette Zanipatine said the rapid response network has expanded, documented widespread arrests and detention conditions, and is providing direct support and legal referrals; committee members asked about detention, maternal health, and what the state can do, and panelists urged stronger oversight, more legal representation, and protections for pregnant and detained people.