Transcript Highlights:

• is extremely vital to U.S. trade and national security, with millions of tons of goods, including energy
• The Gulf of America is a vital economic and strategic asset, providing key trade routes, energy resources
• Senate Bill 1265 establishes a centralized framework for managing Texas's energy resources.
• size, as we've talked about, but we punch well above our weight when it comes to economic output, energy

Bills: SB209 , SB529 , SB1265 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SCR37 , SCR38

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• of a hard-to-fill differential for positions at the Department of Correction and the Department of Energy
• Department of Correction, these include various correctional officer positions, and for the Department of Energy

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee reviewed several personnel and appropriation requests. Item C was a two-for-two position swap with no net increase in authorized positions and was approved. Item D, for South Arkansas College, added three net positions through a mix of growth and swap pool positions, including food service, public safety, housing, and compliance support roles, and was approved. Item E moved positions and $3 million in salary and match appropriation within Workforce Services to consolidate shared services, with no net change in positions, and was approved. The committee then considered a group of continuation items for FY27, covering previously approved growth and surrender pool positions, various differentials, hard-to-fill and on-call pay, a labor market adjustment for crime lab medical examiners, and continuation of grant-funded classifications tied to ARPA and IIJA grants across several agencies. These items were reviewed together and approved. Reports on the agenda required no action and were simply reviewed. On the supplemental agenda, the committee suspended the rules and approved OPM’s request for salary increases for 92 employees whose merit raises would place them over their grade maximums. Senator Dotson asked about several public safety medical examiner positions listed on the salary schedule, and staff indicated they were likely crime lab medical examiner roles. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of a hard-to-fill differential for positions at the Department of Correction and the Department of Energy
• Department of Correction, these include various correctional officer positions, and for the Department of Energy

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee reviewed several personnel and appropriation items, including Item C, which involved a two-for-two position swap with no net increase in authorized positions and was approved after motion. Item D for South Arkansas College added three net positions through a mix of growth and swap pool requests, including food service, public safety, housing support, and compliance-related roles; it was also approved. Item E moved positions and $3 million in salary and match appropriation within Workforce Services to consolidate shared services, with no net change in positions, and was approved. The committee then took up Items F through O as continuation requests for previously approved or reviewed positions and differentials to carry into FY27. These included growth and surrender pool positions at several agencies, various pay differentials such as second-language, on-call, hard-to-fill, certification, and labor market adjustments, as well as continuation of grant-funded classifications tied to ARPA and IIJA grants and other federal grants. After no questions, the committee approved the continuations in a single motion. Under the supplemental agenda, the committee suspended the rules and approved Item A-1, which authorized salary increases above grade maximums for 92 employees due to merit increases. A senator asked about several public safety classifications listed as Med 14, 16, 14, and 15, and staff indicated they were likely crime lab medical examiner positions. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is a bill that is part of the energy package bill. Um, you know,...
• The energy package bill.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• payments that are then used to fund renewable energy projects.
• The bill also eliminates Class 2 renewable energy certificates entirely.
• </c><00:51:49.040><c> were</c> that if other forms of energy were that if other forms of energy were
• </c><00:51:57.200><c> Thank</c><00:51:57.440><c> you</c> expensive energy.
• Thank you expensive energy. Thank you &gt;&gt; represent<00:52:00.400><c> Barry.

Summary: The Finance Committee met on October 30 to act on a series of bills that had been considered during the budget process, with many being recommended for inexpedient to legislate because their funding or policy language had already been handled in House Bill 2. Early actions were largely unanimous. House Bill 54, allowing alternate treatment centers to operate for profit, was recommended ought to pass and was approved 25-0, then placed on the consent calendar because it carried no appropriation. House Bill 97, a wastewater and infrastructure appropriation, was recommended inexpedient to legislate because its funding had been replaced in HB 2; Representative Rum opposed the motion and argued the grant funding helps local taxpayers and housing development, but the committee adopted ITL 14-11, with a minority report to follow. House Bill 111, dealing with the right-to-know ombudsman, was also unanimously recommended ITL because the budget had already made related reforms. The committee then took up House Bill 164, and adopted Amendment 225-2979H, which appropriates $150,000 in FY 2027 to the Secretary of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management for a local government records manager position. The amended bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended and approved 25-0. House Bill 197, the Property Tax Relief Act, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it would restore a state contribution to retirement costs for local employers and provide property tax relief, while opponents argued the earlier change was largely offset by employee contribution increases and other retirement-system adjustments. The committee ultimately adopted ITL 14-11, and a minority report was requested. The committee also acted on House Bill 215, a landfill-related bill. Members explained that most of its language had been included in HB 2 but was removed in conference, so the bill was retained and amended to apply more narrowly to new landfills. Amendment 2025-2970H was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended by a 25-0 vote. House Bill 216, which would change retirement eligibility rules for certain workers injured on the job, was recommended inexpedient to legislate after its sponsor said the fiscal impact was too uncertain to support. Finally, House Bill 219 received Amendment 2025-2988H to change its effective date to July 1, 2027, and discussion began on the bill’s broader purpose of returning about $5.7 million annually from RPS funds to ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this bill relates to the Department of Energy and, according to the analysis, gives the department
• Uh, Meg Stone from the Department of Energy. >> Good morning and welcome. Good morning, Mr.
• Department of Energy General Counsel David Schul.
• ><c> Energy</c><00:05:06.000><c> General</c><00:05:06.320><c> Counsel</c> Department of Energy General
• Counsel Department of Energy General Counsel David<00:05:07.360><c> Schul.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• GLP-1 medications, SB 1089 will save lives, reduce health care costs, and move us to true health equity
• level, this bill requires regulators to consider whether the health plan has excessive tangible net equity
• Additionally, the bill incorporates the concept of excessive tangible net equity into the rate review
• specifically around, like, if there's an excessive, Specifically, if there's excessive tangible net equity

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1377, a bill on medical exemptions for school immunizations. The author and supporters said the measure was a narrow reform to restore physician discretion and reduce what they described as chilling effects from audits and license discipline; opponents from pediatric, medical, public health, and school groups argued the current system already works, protects against fraudulent exemptions, and should not be weakened. Committee members debated the data, the number of exemptions reviewed or revoked, and the effect of the proposed amendments. The bill was amended in committee, but because there was no quorum it was not formally voted on at that time. The committee then heard SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, which would create a statewide inspection and compliance framework for large private detention facilities. The author and supporters described severe conditions in immigration detention, including denial of medication, unsafe food and water, and lack of oversight, and the bill was presented as a response to those abuses. The California Hospital Association raised concerns about duplicative regulation and overlapping standards, but said it was continuing to work on a solution. The committee discussed constitutional and jurisdictional issues, and the bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Judiciary with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Next, SB 1089 was heard, proposing expanded access through CalPERS and CalRX to GLP-1 medications for chronic weight disease and diabetes prevention. The author and supporters from the American Diabetes Association and medical groups argued the drugs are effective tools to prevent type 2 diabetes, reduce long-term costs, and improve health equity, while the author also shared personal experience with weight loss and medication access barriers. There was no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 1221, dealing with Murphy conservatorships for people found not guilty by reason of insanity or otherwise under criminal-mental health conservatorship. Supporters, including prosecutors and psychiatrists, said the bill addresses a gap created by a court decision and would improve public safety and placement decisions for a small population of high-risk individuals. Opponents from county behavioral health and disability rights groups warned it would turn a civil process into a quasi-criminal one, expand district attorney involvement, and disrupt bed prioritization and least-restrictive-placement principles. The discussion centered on the scope of the bill and its amendments, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, it creates equity.
• 00:45:50.079><c> Third,</c><00:45:50.560><c> it</c><00:45:50.800><c> creates</c><00:45:51.119><c> equity
• Third, it creates equity. right now. Third, it creates equity.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• If we allow any changes to IIO, then it's an equity or fairness question: what do the landowners who
• allow any changes to IIO that it's it's allow any changes to IIO that it's it's an<00:51:00.400><c> equity
• 51:01.359><c> what</c><00:51:01.760><c> do</c><00:51:02.000><c> the</c><00:51:02.559><c> um</c> an equity
• of fairness, what do the um an equity of fairness, what do the um land<00:51:03.920><c> owners</c><00

Bills: HB2425 , HB2596 , HB2573 , HB2017 , HB1931 , HB1736 , HB1594 , HB1828

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter. The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers. HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• She retired from NASA in 1985, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, mentorship, and equity.
• legacy of innovation,<02:13:52.239><c> mentorship,</c><02:13:52.880><c> and</c><02:13:53.119><c> equity
• </c><02:13:53.760><c> You</c> innovation, mentorship, and equity.
• You innovation, mentorship, and equity.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Um, and the presence of private equity—it's permeating every dimension, and I think that's really
• :25:03.040><c> presence</c><01:25:03.440><c> of</c><01:25:03.840><c> private</c><01:25:04.159><c> equity
• </c> &gt;&gt; Um and the presence of private equity &gt;&gt; Um and the presence of private equity &gt

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. It then received an update from DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver on the department’s rural health transformation grant submission. Weaver said the grant was submitted ahead of the deadline, reflected input from communities and providers statewide, and would now enter a CMS review and negotiation phase. She explained that the governor’s office will oversee the grant with DHHS, that some proposals may be limited by federal parameters, and that the department may need to hire some staff to administer the grant, within the grant’s administrative cap. Members also discussed DHHS budget pressures and staffing. The department’s CFO, Nathan White, reviewed the agency’s budget mix, noting that DHHS accounts for a large share of the state’s operating and general fund budgets, and explained projected general fund lapse estimates, which he said are currently just under $20 million for the department. He also described why lapse projections are difficult to predict in DHHS because many costs are driven by utilization and because some funds are statutorily non-lapsing. White reported that vacancy rates have risen, citing about 400 unfunded positions in the current biennium and the department’s hiring freeze, while emphasizing that direct-care positions are being prioritized. Committee members raised concerns that back-of-the-budget cuts and weak revenue collections could affect the department’s ability to manage lapse projections. The committee then heard from Division of Public Health Director Ian Watt on vaccine policy and federal changes. Watt said New Hampshire continues to support access to safe and effective vaccines, including through the universal purchase program and seasonal respiratory virus guidance. He explained a recent CDC change regarding the MMRV vaccine, which now discourages the combined shot for the first dose in children under four because of febrile seizure risk, while still allowing it for the second dose. Watt said New Hampshire’s school and child care vaccine mandates remain stable, with nine vaccines required for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, and that the state continues to review federal recommendations cautiously. He also said there have been no supply or funding disruptions affecting vaccine access, and that childhood vaccine funding through commercial insurers remains intact. Finally, the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias presented its annual report. The subcommittee said it met about six times, heard presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and began work on updating the state’s Alzheimer’s plan, which had last been updated in 2015-2016. To gather more direct input, the subcommittee formed a needs-assessment work group to develop a survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers. It recommended integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease, aging, and public health outreach; embedding cognitive health into systems of care and the state health improvement plan; adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS; and continuing partnerships with aging and advocacy organizations. Members praised the report and suggested it should clearly identify the subcommittee and include page numbers in future versions.

Transcript Highlights:

• playing field for students who may be in rural, low-income, or underresourced communities by increasing equity
• underresourced communities<00:08:18.240><c> by</c><00:08:18.639><c> increasing</c><00:08:19.199><c> equity
• </c><00:08:19.759><c> and</c><00:08:20.000><c> and</c> communities by increasing equity and and communities
• by increasing equity and and increased<00:08:21.120><c> access</c><00:08:21.520><c> to</c><00:08:21.680

Transcript Highlights:

• communities where the more affordable communities have low-lying areas, and so I think that's an equity
• communities where the more affordable communities have low-lying areas, and so I think that's an equity
• communities where the more affordable communities have low-lying areas, and so I think that's an equity
• communities where the more affordable communities have low-lying areas, and so I think that's an equity

Summary: The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute. The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• creditor who had recorded the lien, and then if there's anything left over, that would be, quote, like equity
• that would be anything left over uh that would be quote<00:16:13.839><c> like</c><00:16:14.120><c> Equity
• > uh</c><00:16:15.600><c> then</c><00:16:15.759><c> you</c><00:16:15.959><c> would</c> quote like Equity
• uh then you would quote like Equity uh then you would deduct<00:16:17.079><c> the</c><00:16:17.639><

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that includes a long list: Xcel Energy, Otter Tail Energy, Minnesota Power Elite, Minnesota Municipal
• And that includes a long list: Xcel Energy, Otter Tail Energy, Minnesota Power Elite, Minnesota Municipal
• And that includes a long list: Xcel Energy, Otter Tail Energy, Minnesota Power Elite, Minnesota Municipal
• And that includes a long list: Xcel Energy, Otter Tail Energy, Minnesota Power Elite, Minnesota Municipal
• It's a long list: Xcel Energy, Otter Tail Energy, Minnesota Power Elite, Minnesota Municipal Utilities

Bills: HF1606 , HF3733 , HF743 , HF2627 , HF4071

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I'm on the energy committee, and we had testimony that 36% of Minnesotans are struggling to
• pay their energy cost.
• You know I'm on the energy issues.
• </c> energy cost. energy cost. 36%<01:30:08.040><c> members</c><01:30:09.040><c> we</c><01:30:09.360>
• </c> or not being able to pay their energy or not being able to pay their energy cost<01:30:26.719><c

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a good thing when you want to refinance or take out a home equity loan.
• loan</c><00:54:12.160><c> um</c><00:54:12.319><c> it's</c><00:54:12.480><c> a</c> take out a home equity
• loan um it's a take out a home equity loan um it's a good<00:54:13.000><c> asset</c><00:54:13.359><c
• Factors that can affect it obviously include more renewable energy facilities coming online or any other
• Factors that can affect it obviously include more renewable energy facilities coming online or any other

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• of a hard-to-fill differential for positions at the Department of Correction and the Department of Energy
• Department of Correction, these include various correctional officer positions, and for the Department of Energy

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Transcript Highlights:

• In the morning, the Energy Caucus will meet at 7 a.m. at Hilltop Apartments.
• In the morning, the Energy Caucus will meet at 7 a.m. at Hilltop Apartments to elect officers, and the

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum of 97 members present, and granted leave to Representatives Brad Hall and Brandon Aker. The chamber recognized several guests, including law enforcement officers, the doctor and nurse of the day, former Representative Carlton Wing, leadership groups from Hot Springs and Huntsville, NCSL liaison Susan Haltine, family members of Representative Jeremy Wooldridge, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and several representative-elects who will join the next General Assembly. The only bill taken up was House Bill 1001, the appropriation for the Arkansas House of Representatives for fiscal year 2025-2026. Representative Vaught presented the measure as the House’s operating appropriation for the fiscal session, no one spoke against it, and the bill passed with the emergency clause by a vote of 96 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 present. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 1 p.m. the next day. Members announced upcoming meetings for House Management, the Joint Budget Committee and its subcommittees, the Rules Committee, the Energy Caucus, and the House Prayer Caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the morning, the Energy Caucus will meet at 7 a.m. at Hilltop Apartments.
• In the morning, the Energy Caucus will meet at 7 a.m. at Hilltop Apartments to elect officers, and the