Transcript Highlights:

• manufacturing or fertilizer until you begin to see that there's really natural gas, and now I can compete
• Therefore, we are not competing with them.
• , they've got things like Wyoming Frontier Coin and Circle and Tether that are starting to really compete
• I would end with this, though: it's against our founding documents to ever compete with the financial
• We would never compete for their deposits, never. We can't. It's against our founding documents.

Summary: The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia. Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash. Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• rise today to recognize an outstanding athlete from our district, Brett Bolton, as he prepares to compete
• RISE TODAY TO RECOGNIZE AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE FROM OUR DISTRICT, BRETT BOLTON, AS HE PREPARES TO COMPETE
• them, those that offer apprenticeships and engage in skills-based hiring, should be encouraged to compete
• ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS, NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM COMPETITION.
• before they exclude over 60% of American workers who do not have a four-year degree from a chance to compete

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• direction, but because in the bill itself, it said we're worried about funding and the restoration of competency
• So, um I have a not to pass motion on the competency bill.
• 17.280> so,<00:43:18.319> there<00:43:18.560> was<00:43:18.720> concern competency
• And so, there was concern competency.
• >> Love to take it up. on the competency bill. And on the competency bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But to have a complete ban on non-competes in the state of Minnesota is not good for Minnesota and the
• have done amazing things not only for our state, our region, our country, and the globe, but non-competes
• I've been talking to companies about this non-compete issue because I didn't know much about it before
• But this non-compete issue is important for us to look at, especially regarding some of the best-paying
• That's why we stood up against the ban on non-competes, to say, look, employer, you negotiate with the

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures every graduate is fully competent while also supporting student well-being.
• It's to support each other's growth rather than out-compete one another.
• there's been no decline in the quality of care rendered by physicians or in any metric of their competency
• The criteria are competency-based, so it's like if you're doing a certain...
• Please let Texas medical schools continue training compassionate... ...and competent physicians.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to stand trial had been raised before he was ultimately found not competent to stand trial.
• to stand trial had been raised before he was ultimately found not competent to stand trial.
• If someone had any competency questions, that’s left for the voters to decide.
• If someone had any competency questions, that’s left for the voters to decide.
• If someone had any competency questions, that’s left for the voters to decide.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill prohibits non-compete agreements for broadcast workers.
• This bill prohibits non-compete agreements for broadcast and media workers in Pennsylvania, and I'll
• Existing law already requires non-compete agreements to be reasonable.
• I rise to ask for a no vote on House Bill 2558 that would eliminate non-compete agreements from the broadcasting
• This bill is put together and it says this bill would also avoid any existing non-compete agreement between

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of folks, when they are waiting trial, the attorneys will ask for an evaluation to see if they're competent
• of folks, when they are waiting trial, the attorneys will ask for an evaluation to see if they're competent
• Determine if they're mentally competent to stand trial, correct?
• Talked about our competency evaluation, our restoration services that we've just really focused on community
• Talked about our competency evaluation, our restoration services that we've just really focused on community

Summary: The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to a broad discussion of behavioral health policy, taking up work previously handled by a behavioral health working group. Representatives Wooldridge and Vaught described major gaps in Arkansas behavioral health care, emphasizing access problems, workforce shortages, rural service barriers, low reimbursement, and the need to move from a reactive crisis system to more proactive community-based care. Members discussed possible 2027-session priorities such as reducing red tape, improving provider licensing and supervision pathways, expanding billing codes and reimbursement structures, and considering interstate compacts and other workforce fixes. A major focus was the state’s crisis and forensic system, including long waits for competency evaluations, the backlog at the Arkansas State Hospital, and the use of county jails for people awaiting treatment. DHS Director Paula Stone explained that Medicaid pays for most behavioral health services, but cannot pay for services in jails or state hospitals because those individuals are treated as inmates of public institutions, leaving state general revenue to cover much of that cost. She outlined DHS efforts including secured restoration beds, therapeutic communities, community mental health center contracts for jail-based services, and plans for an institution-for-mental-disease waiver that could allow Medicaid payment for certain hospital-based services. Members also discussed crisis stabilization units, with DHS noting that Fort Smith and Jonesboro have been more successful than Fayetteville and Little Rock, largely because of location, partnerships, and law enforcement coordination. Questions covered reimbursement for county jails, step-down facilities, civil commitment options, non-emergency behavioral health transportation, and whether DHS should create a bed-availability dashboard similar to hospital systems. DHS said it does not currently have such a dashboard but is exploring the idea. The meeting ended with a commitment to continue the work, with more detailed discussion planned for August, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this year, only two studios were invited to compete in Florida from California.
• national champion this year from a constituent of mine, a very proud eight-year-old constituent who competed
• But after just one year of dancing, she got invited to compete, and she's been competing at all of these
• This training ensures that caregivers are empowered with the crucial knowledge to provide safe and competent

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, with members observing a moment of silence for the Minnesota tragedy mentioned by the Speaker. The chamber then moved quickly through a large daily file, taking up many Senate amendments and third-reading measures, with most bills passing by wide margins or unanimously. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding action on SB 863, and later taking up several resolutions and bills on concurrence and third reading. Among the main policy items, members adopted AJR 8 on temporary protected status after debate over immigration policy, and AJR 19 urging opposition to dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The Assembly also adopted ACR 112 recognizing September as Deaf Awareness Month, with several members speaking in support of the deaf community and accessibility. Other notable measures included bills on water reclamation and Colorado River Aqueduct maintenance (AB 580), telehealth (AB 688), housing approvals and ADU enforcement/cleanup (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), pension and retirement rules (SB 301), volunteer fire department tax exemptions (SB 87), dementia training for home care aides (SB 412), and a San Francisco public-safety measure on stolen goods resale (SB 276), which drew opposition over permitting and criminalization concerns. The Assembly also passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills dealing with local government finance and infrastructure, public contracts, the Delta, fairgrounds compensation, and San Francisco liquor licenses, as well as AJR 3 on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most measures were approved on roll-call votes with few no votes; SB 227 and SB 276 were urgency measures and received the required two-thirds support. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously, and the day concluded with several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remembrances of former Assembly staffer Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, before the House adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Visa and MasterCard fix interchange fee rates on behalf of the banks, so the banks don't have to compete
• But they all do right now because it is so lucrative for them, and they don't have to compete with each
• other on their fee rates, whereas banks and credit unions compete on every other type of fee, interest
• We ended up making it easier for them to compete against big banks in the debit market.
• Grocery stores are competing vigorously with each other, and it is very hard for merchants to be able

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As companies are competing for price and competing against TWIA and other writers in the area, you have
• not because of a market failure; from the standpoint that we have quite a few insurance companies competing
• Actuarial discounts on the basis of experience in actuarial science, and then companies we find will compete
• embrace it, and folks will look for that fortified standard if they see the competitive market. ...competing

Bills: HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• has the potential to not only meet the needs of these projects, but strengthen our position as we compete
• for for available funding and thank you for what you all did earlier today. find it difficult to compete
• the larger entities that have the institutional capacity and the resources. to be able to qualify, compete
• rate-setting authority. even obviously retain their employees, but they want to have the benefit of competing
• mandatory, you don't want to do it, don't, but if you You want to do it and you want to be able to compete

Bills: HB 1089, HB 1163, HB 1177, HB 1238, HB1318, HB1400, HB1407, HB1532, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation

Transcript Highlights:

• As a member of 4-H, he has been given the opportunity to compete in many 4-H events, projects in Occupy
• Speaker, through 4-H, Kate has shown horses, poultry, and goats, and competed in shotgun.
• Ethan joined 4-H as a third grader and began competing in shotgun trap competition as a novice and junior
• He joined 4-H as a third grader and began competing in shotgun trap competition as a novice and junior
• He reached out to him because it was his first time competing, and he was thrilled to earn fifth place

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2476 opens up more projects to compete.
• I guess, people being able to compete, can you kind of go deeper on the measurable deliverables for ratepayers
• This just ensures there are more resources that compete in any procurement going forward.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications met to hear several bills; ACA 9 was announced as postponed to a later hearing. The committee first approved the consent calendar, then heard AB 2458 by Assemblymember Bennett, which would extend California Energy Commission appliance efficiency standards to appliances that are rented or leased rather than only sold. Supporters from Ceres and Southern California Edison testified in favor, and Senator Caballero asked whether the bill would affect commercial food processors; the author said the CEC indicated it would not. The bill passed on a unanimous roll call and was sent to Senate Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 2476 by Assemblymember Ellis, which would remove an outdated pre-2020 state-funding requirement for pumped storage hydro projects to qualify for the state’s central procurement program, while keeping the 500-megawatt cap. The author and supporters from Rye Development, GreenGen Storage, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers argued the bill would expand competition for long-duration storage, support grid reliability, and help lower costs for ratepayers. Senator Rubio and others asked how the bill would produce savings, and the author explained that more eligible projects would increase competition in procurement. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 2518 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins, a San Diego County pilot program to speed utility connection timelines for affordable housing, hospitals, municipal projects, EV infrastructure, and other projects. The San Diego Housing Commission and SDG&E supported the measure, saying it would reduce costly energization delays; members asked about possible impacts on other customers and whether the bill conflicted with existing SB 410 work, and the author said it was intended to complement current utility timelines. AB 2518 also passed on a unanimous vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee later reopened the roll to record an additional vote on AB 2518, confirming its passage before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some people sitting in jail awaiting admission on a forensic order for competency services right
• or restoration of competency, as well as step-down from Bridgewater.
• Psychiatric hospitals were never intended to assess and restore the competency of a man who is charged
• Individuals start at the very beginning with the competency-to-stand-trial evaluation, and then they
• are committed for restoration to competency.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on a broad set of mental health, substance use, recovery, and patients’ rights bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2227, which would replace stigmatizing substance use terminology in the General Laws, and H. 3950, which would support parents in recovery involved with DCF by requiring more individualized recovery plans, clearer benchmarks for parenting time, access to recovery coaches or counselors, family counseling after sustained recovery, and staff training on addiction and lived experience. Speakers described the bills as ways to reduce stigma, increase accountability, and improve reunification outcomes for families. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1386, which would transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health. Advocates, family members, and disability groups testified that Bridgewater functions like a prison rather than a hospital, with excessive restraint, seclusion, involuntary medication, poor conditions, and racial disparities, and argued DMH should oversee a treatment setting. One DMH occupational therapist and MNA member opposed the transfer, saying the real issue is mixing forensic and continuing-care patients and that DMH should instead create designated forensic units under bills H. 228/S. 1408. Committee members asked about Bridgewater’s population, the history of DOC control, capacity, staffing, and how a transfer might be implemented. The committee also heard testimony on modernizing the six fundamental rights for psychiatric inpatients, including expanding communication options, clarifying visitation and advocacy definitions, and improving access to gender-appropriate and culturally relevant items. Another bill, H. 2216, would require stronger oversight before antipsychotic medication is prescribed in nursing homes, prompted by concerns about inappropriate use. Finally, testimony supported H. 2240 and H. 2239 on sober homes, with supporters saying discharge and relocation policies are needed when a resident returns to active use or becomes unsafe, while preserving the recovery environment and resident rights. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• they determine what kind of support is needed, because the hiring entity is the one that verifies competence
• Furnishing is a core competency of nurse midwives and a skill set normally expected as part of that role
• In addition, the board recognizes 125 continuing competency approval agencies, helping to ensure that
• licensees maintain ongoing professional competence throughout their careers.
• We recognize the challenges Californians and licensees face in accessing timely and competent care, and

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, it ensures every graduate is fully competent while also supporting student well-being.
• It encourages us to support each other's growth rather than out-compete one another.
• there's been no decline in the quality of care rendered by physicians or in any metric of their competency
• They are competency-based, so it's like if you're doing better than your neighbor, then you would get
• Please let Texas medical schools continue training compassionate and competent physicians.

Bills: HB4, HB20

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2853, which would allow the UT System Board of Regents to adjust the University of Texas at El Paso student union fee above the current statutory cap, subject to student approval, to help fund a new student union building. Senator Blanco explained the bill and the committee substitute, there were no questions or witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending subject to the call of the chair. The committee then heard House Bill 610, which would limit severance payments for terminated independent school district superintendents to six months’ salary and benefits. Senator Paxton described large severance payouts and said the bill had passed the House overwhelmingly. There were no witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the bill was left pending. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 4623, which would waive school district immunity in certain cases involving negligent hiring, supervision, or employment of professional school employees who commit abuse or related misconduct against students. Senator Paxton and several witnesses, including survivors and parents, argued the bill was needed to address cover-ups, delayed reporting, and repeated failures to remove dangerous employees; some members raised concerns about liability caps, litigation, and how the bill would interact with the Tort Claims Act. The committee also heard from TEA staff and employee-group witnesses who discussed possible injunctions and stronger no-hire protections. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4, an accountability and assessment bill that would restore A-F ratings, change the state testing system, and replace STAAR with shorter, more instructionally useful assessments. Senator Bettencourt explained the committee substitute, including annual ratings, limits on taxpayer-funded lawsuits, and a phased-in testing redesign with beginning, middle, and end-of-year assessments. Testimony was generally supportive from education and business groups, though some witnesses favored norm-referenced testing while others emphasized criterion-referenced, TEKS-aligned assessments; one witness noted social studies assessments were restored in the bill. The hearing concluded with additional invited testimony and no final vote reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• On item 12, first of all for the California competes grant.
• And this year, it's not touch, but Cal competes is.
• Deep concern for California competes when I remember the subcommittee reviewing it, really celebrated
• And I think each year that goes by, as they close, as they struggle to compete with the illicit market
• This is the only set of businesses that are competing at this scale with such an illegal market that

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, keep in mind that these do not compete.
• And so, very seldom are you going to find that the surplus lines are going to be competing with the fair
• <00:11:05.519> When<00:11:05.760> you mind that these do not compete.
• When you mind that these do not compete.
• with the floor with the to be competing with the floor with the fair<00:11:19.040> plan.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• property as practices against private property as well<00:19:54.159> as<00:19:54.320> competing
• <00:19:54.919> public<00:19:55.240> interest<00:19:56.159> by well as competing
• public interest by well as competing public interest by requiring<00:19:57.159> specific<00:19
• This transfer will restore proper oversight, cultural competency, and accountability to the caretaking
• and accountability to the competency and accountability to the caretaking<00:23:12.400> of<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on Senate Bill 4, which would transfer stewardship of Mauna ʻAla from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Committee chairs opened the meeting with housekeeping and noted the hearing was live-streamed, with a two-minute limit for testimony. Director Don Chang of the Board of Land and Natural Resources said DLNR had been working with OHA and had agreed to transfer certain lands subject to due diligence, including Kahana Valley and a parcel in Waimānalo, but urged the committee to finalize those mutually agreed parcels before taking on something new. He also described the current arrangement at Mauna ʻAla as a collaborative one involving the state and the royal trusts, with the state handling routine maintenance and the trusts contributing to larger repairs and improvements on a project-by-project basis rather than through direct annual appropriations. Testimony was mixed. Supporters argued that OHA is better positioned to steward the site because of its cultural mission, Native Hawaiian governance, and ability to protect sacred places with greater cultural competency and accountability. Several speakers emphasized that Mauna ʻAla is not a state park and should be cared for by those with direct cultural ties and experience, and some cited OHA’s recent financial reforms and partnerships as reasons for confidence. Others, including representatives of the Daughters and Sons of the Hawaiian Warriors Makakoa, opposed the bill, citing concerns about OHA’s past financial management, transparency, and the need for more public information and testimony before any transfer. One testifier also argued the land transfer itself was unlawful and rooted in the history of the overthrow and annexation. Members and testifiers also discussed the historical role of the royal trusts and family caretakers at Mauna ʻAla, with one descendant describing a long family stewardship and supporting OHA only if amended language preserved checks and balances and protected iwi and burial grounds. Another speaker said the family recognized James Mayo as kahu of Mauna ʻAla and supported the bill because prior DLNR efforts had not sufficiently protected traditional and customary rights. The hearing ended after public testimony and committee questions, with no vote or final action taken in the portion provided.