Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to point out that in the new sections for capital and operating, there actually is a bit of
• There's also three paragraphs in each of the new sections for operating and capital.
• There's also three paragraphs in each of the new sections for operating and capital, three paragraphs
• So, not surprisingly to all of you, I'm putting in a request that rail be added to the two new sections
• efficiency, at least three times more efficient than cars and trucks on the road. ...to the two new sections

Bills: HB2588 , HB2722 , HB2727

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• The technical fix here is just that, when we did the rulemaking, we missed a small section there.
• He began by expressing Sky Energy's strong support for section two, saying the discussion just now clearly
• As they try to bring a remedy to that, Section 2, which Sky Energy just indicated that they support,
• And as we try to bring a remedy to that, Section 2, which Sky Energy just indicated that they support
• And then for the meter-mounted devices section, it requires them to be compatible with advanced metering

Bills: HB2436 , HB2322 , HB2343 , HB1420 , HB2426 , HB2271 , HB2215 , HB2421 , HB2301 , HB2296

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment, coast guard authorization, Board of Pilotage Commissioners, articulated tug barge, bunker vessel, refueling vessel

Transcript Highlights:

• be gifted pursuant to our statute and standards adopted by the department in accordance with that section
• Nothing in this section precludes a school district or charter school from offering additional gifted
• second paragraph down, about the third line down, it is important to note: gifted education, the Section
• Gifted education is Section 504, [and] will remain in course of instruction, the school program section
• I think New Mexico... ...course of instruction, the school program section of the state law.

Bills: SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Keywords: special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, so that is in, I think, section two of the bill, and it lists several items, and those include decisions
• Don't you agree that under Section 6, deployer means any person doing business in this state that deploys
• this system, and that developer has a different definition under Section 7, which means any person doing
• Don't you agree that under Section 6, deployer means any person doing business in this state that deploys
• So if we can look at some of those sections, and I know staff has some questions as well.

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held public hearings on two bills. On SB 5609, concerning cultural resource reviews under SEPA, staff explained that the proposed substitute would require cultural resource review for certain categorical exemptions, including infill housing and some GMA-related projects, unless a local government has an approved data-sharing agreement, ordinance, or cultural resources management plan with tribal consultation. Senator Kauffman said the bill is intended to protect tribal cultural sites without stopping development. Supporters, including tribal representatives and some local officials, said early review and consultation can prevent irreversible damage and provide clarity; opponents from business, builders, and county planning groups argued it would add costs, delay housing and permitting, and shift too much authority to state-level review without clear timelines or standards. The committee took public testimony only and then closed the hearing on SB 5609. The committee then heard SB 6284 on high-risk artificial intelligence. Staff described requirements for deployers of high-risk AI systems to maintain risk management policies, conduct impact assessments, notify consumers when AI is used in consequential decisions, and report algorithmic discrimination to the Attorney General, along with disclosures for government agencies and an extension of the AI task force with a workplace subgroup. Senator Elias said the bill is intended to focus regulation on high-risk uses while preserving innovation. Testimony was mixed: consumer and student advocates supported the bill’s transparency and accountability measures, while industry, banking, insurance, hospital, and technology groups raised concerns about definitions, implementation, overlap with existing regulation, and possible effects on innovation or regulated sectors. The committee heard public testimony and then adjourned after closing the hearing on SB 6284.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the request to remove the restrictions laid out in sections four and eight of Senate Bill 1108 of
• We are eight minutes over time on this section of the agenda, and we want to make sure we get the other
• Also in 2027 is the agency-wide request to remove the restrictions laid out in Sections 4 and 8 of Senate
• personnel costs and trustee and benefit payments to other expenditure account categories, as allowed in Section
• second request, which you have all seen before, is the request to remove the restrictions laid out in sections

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for several Department of Health and Welfare divisions, including Early Learning and Development, Public Health Services, and Family and Community Partnerships. The analyst and director explained recent reorganizations, such as moving the Idaho Child Care Program into Early Learning and Development, shifting Emergency Medical Services out of Public Health, and proposing to move the Idaho Home Visiting Program from Public Health to Early Learning and Development for efficiency. The presentations also covered ongoing and one-time funding requests for child care capacity, immunizations, HIV and hepatitis prevention, lab testing, disaster preparedness, and kinship navigation services. A major focus was the Idaho Child Care Program capacity funding. Committee members asked about the source of the money, how much was already set aside, whether the funds would create new slots rather than subsidize existing ones, and how the department would verify proper use. The director said the money comes from the federal Child Care Development Block Grant, is intended to expand provider capacity in underserved and rural areas, and can support both licensed and unlicensed providers as long as federal health and safety requirements are met. Members also questioned the proposed five new program integrity positions, including a fraud investigator, and the director said they are needed for a full annual review of providers and beneficiaries; she later corrected that the positions are ongoing, not one-time, funding. Public health questions centered on the effectiveness of HIV and hepatitis prevention spending, the immunization assessment fund, and the role of public health more broadly. The director said HIV and hepatitis funds support education, screening, and surveillance rather than treatment, that the state continues to see a need despite rising case counts, and that the department is revamping outcome reporting. On immunizations, she said the assessment fund is financed by insurer assessments and supports vaccine purchases at lower cost, with the governor recommending an increase based on the assessment board’s decision. Members also asked about the home visiting program’s funding history, the proposed transfer of funds between Youth Safety and Permanency and Switzie for rare complex cases, and the use of ARPA funds for one-time data modernization projects. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 432, Rule 100.04.b, under the Education for Experience section, language was added to clarify
• Further down, under the Experience for Experience section, language was shortened and clarified outlining
• Page 432, Rule 200.02, was removed as this section is no longer needed.
• assessing investigative and prosecution costs and fees as duplicative of the division's authority under Section
• Additionally, Section 54-4710 of the Idaho Code requires this board to establish fees in an amount sufficient

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee considered a series of administrative rule dockets, mostly from DOPL and related licensing boards. The committee approved rules for the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, the Rules of Midwifery, the Idaho State Board of Dentistry, and the Idaho Board of Nursing. Those presentations focused largely on zero-based rule rewrites, fee reductions or temporary fee decreases being made permanent, and compliance with House Bill 152’s cash-balance requirements. Testimony generally emphasized stakeholder input, federal or board approval where applicable, and the need to keep fees aligned with board solvency targets. The committee then heard several fee-rule dockets involving boards with low or negative cash balances. The Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals presented a rule package that clarified licensure requirements, removed some outdated provisions, and increased fees to address a negative cash balance; Idaho Rural Water Association testified in support, saying the changes would reduce regulatory burden while acknowledging the need for higher fees. The committee approved the docket by roll call after some opposition. The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board docket, which proposed a short-term fee increase to restore solvency, failed by roll call vote after members raised concerns about the broader structure of board funding and whether consolidation or other reforms should be considered. The committee also heard a lengthy discussion on the State Board of Acupuncture’s proposed fee increase. The board and a supporting practitioner testified that the board was in deficit, that fees had not been raised in many years, and that the increase was needed to maintain licensure and public safety. Some senators questioned whether licensure remained necessary in light of modern consumer review systems and whether the board should be consolidated or eliminated. A motion to reject the docket failed on a tie, and the original motion to hold the docket for further information passed, leaving the acupuncture rules unresolved. After that, the chair announced the committee would adjourn and reschedule remaining matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 432, Rule 100.04.b, under the Education for Experience section, language was added to clarify
• Further down, under the Experience for Experience section, language was shortened and clarified, outlining
• Page 432, Rule 200.02, was removed as this section is no longer needed.
• assessing investigative and prosecution costs and fees as duplicative of the division's authority under Section
• Additionally, Section 54-4710 of the Idaho Code requires this board to establish fees of an amount that

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 2023 session, the Legislature amended the same section, section 160 of the Local Project Approval
• , and it did not refer to the other adoption, and as a result, there is a conflict between those sections
• It's been codified here at section 630 of the GMA.
• Now, this section of the subdivision statute now requires the use of administrative design review for
• 5817 to that definition over in the GMA or simply adopting the definition here in the definition sections

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A section in the VA set the tone where carrying a baby isn't even considered life at all.
• Senate Bill 1379 amends Section 32.21 of the Texas Penal Code by increasing the penalty for forgery from
• Senate Bill 1451 amends Section 32.24 of the Penal Code by increasing the criminal penalty for stealing
• This bill would repeal Section 1B of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Section 1B refers to the section of the Penal Code that states that a person who murders a child between

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, House Bill 3731 is a, uh, just a section to, uh, kind of clarify what has happened in the past.
• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles recently removed Section 218.58 from the Texas Administrative Code
• House Bill 3731 just aims to restore this protection by amending the section and reinstating the 60 cents
• A section of Lamar Boulevard in Austin used to have 3 lanes.
• But when you look at what was passed at Section 545453 of the Transportation Code, it pretty clearly

Bills: HB 341 , HB 469 , HB 971 , HB 1624 , HB 2721 , HB 2959 , HB 3365 , HB 3731 , HB 3793 , HB 3861 , HB 3946 , HB 3966 , HB 4348 , HB 4401 , HB 4402 , HB 4924 , HB 4966 , HB 5563

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3731 is just a section... to clarify what has happened in the past, the Texas Department of
• Motor Vehicles recently removed section 218.18.58 from the Texas Administrative Code due to a routine
• The section enforced a minimum cargo liability of $0.60 per pound for interstate moves and applied it
• House Bill 3731 just aims to restore this protection by amending the section and reinstating the $0.60
• In 2024 alone, we vacated only 14 road sections and seven alleys, none of which were initiated by the

Bills: HB341 , HB469 , HB971 , HB1624 , HB2721 , HB2959 , HB3365 , HB3731 , HB3793 , HB3861 , HB3946 , HB3966 , HB4348 , HB4401 , HB4402 , HB4924 , HB4966 , HB5563

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I oppose House Bill 285 carrying Section D1, which seeks a statutory defense to prosecution for criminal
• The proposed section contradicts established statutory framework, suggesting licenses be exempt from
• the chair of the animal law section of the Austin Bar Association.
• Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 6.03, a person is criminally negligent when he ought to be aware
• If we eliminated that C section, would it be easier to prosecute, uh, still capturing the same people

Transcript Highlights:

• think what we'd like to see is how these the new environment protections required under Chapter under Section
• think the bill moving it to effectively a permitted pit would have a requirement that is within that section
• the permit is, so there's authorized pits for EMP effectively, and then there's a, the commercial section
• Uh, specifically, I looked at, uh, Section 91119B5.
• All that that section only cites to.

Committee: House Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also like to highlight that in sections 1 and 2, it is a priority to permanently fix the issue of
• It's the part that says, for a purpose under this section, an individual with a household size, a child
• Supports, in section one of the bill, the work of our critically important providers, without whom, in
• Also, in section 2 of the bill is direct assistance to allow counties to continue their leadership in
• If we can make progress in funding section 3, we can utilize best practices, shared experiences, and

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 22A-001.
• Section 22A-001 of the Government Code gives the Attorney General the authority to petition the Chief
• This bill adds challenges. ...to the accountability rating system to that section of the Government Code
• But to actually... be able to deny the petition under this section, the trial court would have to find
• This section doesn't limit liability for an injury that's caused by the water park's negligence.

Bills: HB 1181 , HB3704 , HB1363 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB3223 , HB1317 , HB2884 , HB2176 , HB4027 , HB1664 , HB933 , HB2613 , HB3353 , HB2086 , HB4101 , HB3441 , HB4145 , HB3455

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is a technical change to delete Section 10 of the bill as it incorrectly subjects access
• And we've recently made a change to pull our financial monitoring, section it within our organization
• Constitution and article one section 3 of our Florida state Constitution.
• So you're talking about sections.
• But I do have a question on the the vaccine section.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment deletes section 10 of the bill to correct a drafting error that would have mistakenly
• subjected nursing home facility records to new provisions in section 408.833.
• Facility records to new provisions in section 408.833. Thank you. Any questions on the amendment?
• And under the bill, and for this section, legal representative means a patient's attorney who has been
• And under the bill, and for this section, legal representative means a patient's attorney who has been

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• This exemption is stated in Article 8, Section 3 of the New Mexico Constitution, which applies to student
• Once we get to the significant issues page section, there's a lot of history.
• Uh, we've talked about the times this section of statute was amended, um, and of course, names that the
• least well understood and perhaps the most confusing section of the property tax code here is the part
• Chair, When I hear about your intention to build, here I read this section, it sounds like many of you

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill and later the amendment are the products of the health law section of the Florida Bar and the
• Following further discussion by the health law section of the Florida Bar and Senate professional staff
• Seeing none, we have an appearance card: Steven Grigas, with the Health Law Section of the Florida Bar
• Section 2 of the bill analysis, or the bill, does remove a provision that provides construction for the
• But I'm looking at section one of the bill, and I'm reading the first line required. First line.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills. SB 1546 on background screening for athletic coaches was explained as another extension of the deadline for coaches to be added to the background screening clearinghouse; it passed favorably with support from athletic and youth sports organizations. SB 958 on type 1 diabetes early detection was amended to match the House version, requiring the Department of Health to provide school districts, school boards, and charter schools with informational materials for parents; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/SB 1070 on electrocardiograms for student athletes drew extensive discussion about sudden cardiac arrest prevention, implementation timelines, costs, funding through private and public sources, and whether insurance, KidCare, or Medicaid should cover screenings; after supportive testimony from school and athletic groups, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also heard SB 1060, which would create a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid managed care to review encounter data, financials, audits, and rebate calculations with assistance from an actuary and the Auditor General. The sponsor and several senators framed it as a transparency and verification measure in response to large mid-year Medicaid funding increases and concerns about network adequacy and vertical integration; it passed favorably. CS/SB 944, which shortens the insurer overpayment recovery look-back period for claims involving psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, also passed favorably with support from the Florida Psychological Association. SB 1370, moving ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute rather than under hospital licensure provisions, was supported by surgery center representatives and reported favorably. The committee approved SB 768, as amended, to narrow the foreign-country-of-concern licensure attestation for health care entities to direct controlling interests and clarify the “reasonable efforts” standard; it passed after questions about how the standard would work in practice. SB 1544 on opticianry prompted significant debate over whether the bill would limit nonlicensed staff in ophthalmology and optometry settings; after a proposed amendment was withdrawn and multiple witnesses spoke both for and against, the bill was temporarily postponed. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1808 requiring health care practitioners and facilities to refund patient overpayments within 30 days, with enforcement through AHCA fines or professional discipline, and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S.
• That duty and obligation. is to go ahead and declare the war and then in Article 2, Section 2, by the
• position, constitution, something that's very different in that in those clauses within article 4 section
• But, of course, the Constitution was never amended to say that Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 was no
• Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution, as you've heard many times today, this the power to declare

Bills: HB39 , HB227 , HB930 , HB 1078 , HB39 , HB227

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration