Transcript Highlights:

• </c><04:14:34.800><c> so</c> be shared Statewide best practices so be shared Statewide best practices
• Yes, we have a collaborative on our bus routes up there in Hail.
• </c> school districts are are collaborating school districts are are collaborating uh<05:07:58.718><c
• on our bus routes up there collaborative on our bus routes up there in<05:08:13.400><c> hail</c><05:
• </c><05:08:15.718><c> in</c> in hail collaborative is with schools in in hail collaborative is with schools

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which clarifies that dual and concurrent enrollment courses may not exceed four credits. Members said the bill came from the community college system and was intended to preserve the program’s high school-to-college pathway. An amendment changing the effective date to passage was adopted 18-0, and the committee then voted 18-0 to recommend OTPA on the bill as amended, with the bill placed on the consent calendar. The committee then retained HB 295 and HB 366, both related to school building aid, after members said the issues were complex and needed more work. Both motions to retain passed 18-0, leaving the bills in committee without reports. The chair also said HB 354 would not be taken up that day because of possible changes from the Department of Education and others. HB 494, funding the math learning communities program, was then amended to flat-fund the program rather than increase it, with members citing budget uncertainty. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted 18-0 for OTPA on the bill as amended, placing it on consent. Finally, HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid, drew debate over whether charter schools should be treated differently from traditional public schools. The committee voted 10-8 for inexpedient to legislate, sending the bill to the regular calendar; Representative Damon was assigned the minority report and Representative Popovic the majority report. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program, where members discussed flat-funding the program at $2.5 million per year and the potential impact on course availability, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> entities that we partner and collaborate entities that we partner and collaborate with<00:40:10.119
• and if I could get maybe a collaborative and if I could get maybe a card<01:52:36.679><c> before</c>
• We have great collaboration throughout Vision One, so we are part of the network of VAs that service
• </c> we have uh great uh collaboration we have uh great uh collaboration throughout<02:01:27.719><c>
• </c> I didn't really come into full practice I didn't really come into full practice until<04:35:27.799

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Sermon on the Mount demands that we practice what we preach and walk our talk.
• And we remain committed to continuing that collaboration in the next house.
• AB 1166 expands the fair debt settlement practice act to cover commercial financing.
• It's important that the structures, policies, and practices of our state ensure fairness for all.
• My son came home from soccer practice. He plays on another one of the clubs in East Bay.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BE@School's practices connect students and families to our community agencies first because of the fear
• Be at school remains committed to<01:13:43.199><c> working</c><01:13:43.440><c> collaboratively</c><01
• There's recorder concerts that you practice for.
• There's that first day practice for.
• </c><02:11:39.440><c> through</c> forward to the collaboration through forward to the collaboration through

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I still don't think it's really a great practice to go pulling money that was generated for specific
• So that area is, again, it's a collaborative effort.
• Already, so that area is, again, it's a collaborative effort.
• because it's a lot cheaper practical because it's a lot cheaper than<03:46:15.840><c> putting</c><03
• Our social media is robust; it's collaborative. We just don't post for the sake of posting.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities. Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented. Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion. The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um because collaborative that way.
• </c> it's the been pretty much the practice it's the been pretty much the practice and<00:58:48.799><
• </c><04:11:49.199><c> is</c> high heat pyro um smelting practices is high heat pyro um smelting practices
• So to me it seems as if you're already working collaboratively.
• So to me it seems as if you're already working collaboratively.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Really early on, I did a collaborative weekend workshop on the soundboard just because we actually now
• weekend um workshop on the collaborative weekend um workshop on the soundboard<01:32:52.000><c> just
• But to get those good jobs, training and have that practical support would, I'm sure, be able to help
• But to get those good jobs, training and have that practical support would, I'm sure, be able to help
• But to get those good jobs, training and have that practical support would, I'm sure, be able to help

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a practicing attorney, and I have a practice which concentrates in family law, criminal law,
• </c> I can also tell you as a practicing I can also tell you as a practicing attorney<01:13:18.159><c
• </c><01:19:35.440><c> with</c> question is, did you collaborate with question is, did you collaborate
• Like, how practically does this work?
• </c><02:23:25.680><c> of</c> in alignment with the best practices of in alignment with the best practices

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They want something to collaborate with us as a collaborative partner at NDIT.
• Three areas we're looking for with the vendor side of things with their AI practice.
• Three areas we're looking for with the vendor side of things with their AI practice.
• Technically, it does; in practice, they've never exercised it.
• Technically, they do, in practice, they've never exercised it.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• is, and that's kind of their practice. >> Okay, thank you.
• </c><00:15:08.480><c> is</c> kind of what normal practice is kind of what normal practice is and<00:15
• </c> and that's kind of their practice. and that's kind of their practice.
• /c> an an effective collaboration an an effective collaboration um<00:49:51.839><c> over</c><00:49:52.160
• So the soon as practical thereafter.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> doesn't necessarily tie to the practices doesn't necessarily tie to the practices that<01:50:46.840
• It can say the Department of Education will do an RFP in collaboration with OS.
• and we've had those collaboration and we've had those conversations<02:15:01.559><c> then</c><02:15:
• an RFP in collaboration with OS all<02:15:16.639><c> of</c><02:15:16.840><c> that</c><02:15:17.239><
• everything that had you know practically everything that had to<02:19:50.359><c> do</c><02:19:50.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, I think it's not practical, and the information we will get would end up being useless.
• So again, I think it's not practical, and the information we will get would end up being used.
• I think it's not practical, and the information we will get would end up being useless.
• We've collaborated a lot on this. I've read a lot of personal material on both the issues.
• This also allows dentists to practice in our correctional facilities.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after introductions of the Freedom of the Road Riders and Warsaw High School students. Members then took up House Bill 1855, a reporting bill on alpha-gal syndrome. The sponsor described the bill as a public health surveillance measure to add alpha-gal to Missouri’s reportable conditions, require lab reporting to the Department of Health and Senior Services, and send aggregated data to the CDC. Supporters said the bill would help identify hotspots, guide education and funding, and address a serious tick-borne condition affecting rural and urban Missourians alike. Opponents raised concerns about cost, false positives/negatives, and privacy, but the sponsor and others said the system would be HIPAA-compliant and de-identified at the federal level. Two amendments to HB 1855 were debated. An amendment changing the department’s follow-up authority from “may” to “shall” was adopted, with supporters arguing that if the legislature funds follow-up, the department should be required to do it. A second amendment creating an opt-in/opt-out consent process for reporting was rejected 41-10 after extensive debate over privacy, data collection, and whether consent would undermine disease surveillance. The House then adopted the House committee substitute for HB 1855 as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber next considered House Bills 2230 and 2978, a revised education measure aimed at reducing screen time in K-5 classrooms and encouraging handwriting and cursive instruction. The sponsor said the bill was based on research linking heavy screen use to poorer educational and behavioral outcomes, and supporters emphasized local control, parent access to screen-time policies, and the need to bring experts together through a state-level focus group. An amendment to exclude virtual school programs was adopted. The House then adopted the committee substitute for HB 2230 and 2978 as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House began debate on House Bill 2355, the Food Is Medicine Initiative. The sponsor said the bill would let Missouri use federal funds through 1115 waivers to pilot medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling, and related interventions to improve health and lower Medicaid costs. Members generally supported the concept, citing food deserts and the benefits of better nutrition, but an amendment adding vitamin therapies and cleanup language prompted concern from one member about supplement quality and regulation; the transcript ends during that amendment discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have many members that practice this on a daily basis, primarily in the private sector.
• this on a daily basis um in practice this on a daily basis um in primarily<01:10:24.800><c> the</c><
• She said they work collaboratively with their home and community-based waiver teams.
• Um, there's no standards of practice.
• Mandatory reporting laws exist on paper but crumble in practice.

Bills: HB0101 , HB0062 , HB0109

Committee: House Revenue

Keywords: guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, property tax, tax exemption, homeowner, armed forces, residency requirement, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And a lot of those websites require admissions practices that discriminate based on religion and sexual
• This role would collaborate closely with the MOScholars' independent auditor to strengthen...
• This role would collaborate closely with the MOScholars' independent auditor to strengthen oversight
• Louis International Collaboration. This used to be known as the St.
• Louis International Collaboration. This used to be known as the St.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:09:01.120><c> and</c><01:09:01.279><c> a</c> we have in a more collaborative and a we have in
• a more collaborative and a more<01:09:02.159><c> uh</c><01:09:02.319><c> shared</c><01:09:02.719><c>
• One of the things I get really concerned about is when I see to ensure alignment with best practices
• practices practices and<01:19:29.920><c> uh</c><01:19:30.159><c> inform</c><01:19:30.800><c> continuous
• It's hosted in collaboration and planned by a dozen agencies across the state.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting, and then approved a large agenda of contracts and related items, with the total agenda amount stated as $359,638,393.88. Most items were approved without objection, but two contracts were pulled for discussion: attorney general panel counsel contingency fee contracts and a Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission personal services contract. For the attorney general’s office, Chris Lewis explained that the contracts were panel counsel contingency fee agreements, with 14 qualified awards from 16 applicants. He said the contracts were contingency-based, so no money would be paid unless cases were successful, and that the fee structure worked out to roughly 5% under the statutory waterfall. Senators asked about the size of the contracts, whether the terms were uniform, why no Kentucky firms were among the awardees, and how the public should understand the large dollar figures. Lewis said one Kentucky firm applied but was disqualified for a late submission, other Kentucky firms had inquired but did not apply, and local firms could still work with national firms on cases. The committee then approved the contracts. The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission contract drew more extensive questioning. Commission representatives said they had previously had a contract disapproved because the proper process was not followed, so they used an RFI process posted on the state and commission websites for at least three weeks. They received one applicant, a Kentucky firm, and set the rate at $125 per hour. Members questioned whether the commission was acting beyond its ethics mission, whether staff were helping draft complaints against legislators, and whether the commission was taking on a prosecutorial or human-resources role. The commission said its role is limited to enforcing the legislative code of ethics, providing advisory guidance, and following the formal complaint process; it does not pursue matters outside that code. Members also raised concerns about the earlier procurement misstep and the commission’s credibility, and the commission apologized, said it had corrected the process, and pledged to comply going forward. The committee then approved the contract.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has been done in many communities in other states, kind of finding best practices and talking with
• kind of many communities in other states kind of finding<00:37:50.200><c> best</c><00:37:50.480><c> practices
• /c><00:37:50.960><c> and</c><00:37:51.160><c> talking</c><00:37:51.599><c> with</c> finding best practices
• and talking with finding best practices and talking with them<00:37:52.720><c> I</c><00:37:52.839><c
• This has been done in many communities in other states, kind of finding best practices and talking with

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been in practice for more than 25 years in both the design and construction I've been in practice
• In practical terms, that can require a building depth of only about 35 to 50 feet for the rescue to be
• architects, and legislators working together to ensure that any changes to the code framework are practical
• proposal such as the single-stair apartment bill should not move forward without that kind of collaboration
• I think there's a reason why this longstanding practice of two staircases has been around, and I would

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 959, which would adjust levy limits and related property tax provisions for fire and EMS districts affected by prior tax changes. Senator O’Conniewicz and fire district officials said the bill is needed because fire and EMS districts rely heavily on property tax and are struggling to keep up with growth and operating costs. The Idaho Home Builders Association and the Association of Idaho Cities both supported the bill, with cities noting it would provide needed relief for emergency services even if broader tax fixes are still being sought. The committee moved and passed a motion to send HB 959 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 706, which would allow cities to permit single-stair apartment buildings in limited circumstances if additional life-safety and design standards are met. Supporters, including Senator Robbie, an architect, and a private citizen, argued the bill could lower construction costs, help infill development, and create more affordable “missing middle” housing while maintaining safety through sprinklers and other requirements. Fire officials and the Association of Idaho Cities opposed the bill, warning that a single stair reduces redundancy for evacuation and firefighter access and could create risks in fires or active shooter situations. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to send HB 706 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Anthon and Adams recorded as no votes. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 967, a compromise measure to increase funding for Idaho State Police compensation by shifting $4 million total, including $2 million from liquor funds that would otherwise go to cities and counties. Senator Lakey and Colonel Gardner said ISP has severe staffing shortages, especially among mid-level troopers, and needs a funding fix to remain competitive and retain officers; the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police also supported the bill. Cities, including the mayor of Moscow and the Association of Idaho Cities, opposed the measure because it would reduce local revenue used for police, fire, and EMS, and argued the state should use other funding sources instead. Several senators expressed concern about the impact on cities but said they felt compelled to support a compromise for ISP, and the committee ultimately passed the motion to send HB 967 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with recorded no votes from Senators Robbie and Riggs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a producer-led nonprofit with a mission to advance policies and practices that sustain working
• Through collaboration and cost share from partners, we're deploying 11 virtual fence projects covering
• Practices implemented will include water developments, fencing modifications, riparian and mesic meadow
• including... ...projects with ISDA and partners, and will be publishing case studies on specific practices
• for ranchers involved and others interested in participating in the program and learning about the practices

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee heard an update from Idaho Fish and Game Director Jim Fredericks on agency performance measures and current issues. He reported strong access numbers, website traffic, and personnel retention, but noted a slightly elevated violation rate and ongoing work on a website overhaul. Fredericks also described the new nonresident deer and elk tag draw, which he said was successful and drew more than 40,000 applications, and he reviewed wolf management, including reduced harvest due to a federal injunction on trapping in grizzly bear areas. He also outlined a planned elk depredation response in the Big Willow drainage, involving removal of about 100 resident elk through a mix of translocation and lethal control, with meat donated to food banks. Committee members asked about translocation sites, survival, public communication, access agreements, depredation funding, and endowment land access. The committee then heard an American Falls FFA Ag Issues presentation on the 2001 federal roadless rule and its 2025 rescission. Students presented arguments for and against the change in a mock court format, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal consultation, timber and mineral access, recreation, and ecosystem protection. Committee members praised the students’ preparation and presentation. In legislative business, the committee held RS 33185 at the sponsor’s request, introduced RS 33168 related to Clean Water Act standards and the Sackett wetlands case, and introduced RS 33194 to recognize county expertise in federal consultation. The committee also advanced House Bill 587, which would provide spending authority for the Idaho Department of Agriculture to carry out grazing improvement work tied to prior legislation, after testimony from the sponsor and a Western Landowners Alliance representative in support. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 26 supporting wildlife crossings where locally supported, with testimony from the Idaho Wildlife Federation and Idaho Sportsmen, Access and Opportunity in favor. The motion to send HCR 26 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed despite several dissenting votes, and the meeting adjourned after the bill was assigned for floor carry.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to find out the practice here shortly.
• County Central Hospital District to improve efficiency, accountability, and alignment with best practices
• In short, this bill provides a practical, narrowly tailored solution that balances the original intent
• In short, this bill provides a practical, narrowly tailored solution that balances the original intent
• So this one's a collaboration between the Bond Review Board and the Comptroller's office, right, where

Bills: HB103

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's possible to serve data centers without shifting costs. on to other rate payers, doing that in practice
• The industry has developed best practices for water and sewage for energy usage and even rates data centers
• Businesses seeking data center partners are looking for these efficiencies and best practices.
• The data center industry is committed to being a collaborative stakeholder for sustainable data center
• Agrivoltaics is the practice of combining solar energy production with agricultural production on the

Bills: HF2928 , HF2912 , HF2297

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability