Transcript Highlights:

• We're thankful that coal facilities have received new life. ...owners.
• And we look at surface water in North Dakota.
• You can see the Missouri by far has our greatest resource for surface water flow in North Dakota.
• The Missouri River by far has our greatest resource for surface water flow in North Dakota.
• Some of the CO2 comes back up to the surface with oil and gas.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they essentially are the mechanism that funds, at a federal level, surface transportation across
• chime in with the federal delegation on what we would like to see change, sustained with the next surface
• Generating for surface transportation.
• million in the implementation of an annual surcharge for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners
• really important that contractors from one year to the next can better understand the revenues for surface

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unpaid taxes and the deed conveyed the property without expressly limiting the conveyance to the surface
• chair under Rule 20 as to whether I can vote on Amendment A4183 to House Bill 1862 because I am the owner
• Because I am the owner of parking lot properties.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine administrative business, including approval of the June 1, 2026 journal and several leave requests. The chamber then took up a series of bills and committee referrals, with House Bill 1042 initially sent to Appropriations and later re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations after committee action. Several other measures were either passed, held over in their order, or re-referred, including House Bills 36 and 513 to Appropriations and various Senate and House bills set aside for later consideration. The most substantive floor debate centered on House Bill 96, where Senator Yaw offered Amendment A4096 to clarify the legal effect of historic tax sales of unseated lands. The amendment would treat certain historic tax-sale deeds as conveying full fee simple ownership, including severed subsurface rights, unless those rights were separately assessed, and would require documentary proof for claims of redemption. The amendment passed 36-14. The Senate also adopted Amendment A4183 to House Bill 1862 after a ruling that Senator Rothman had no conflict of interest and was required to vote; that amendment passed 46-4. Later, Amendment A4173 to House Bill 2559 was adopted 49-1, and House Bill 2559 then passed as amended. Several bills received final passage by unanimous 50-0 votes, including House Bills 482, 1102, 1830, 1860, and 2426, while House Bill 1862 and House Bill 96 were advanced as amended. The Senate also returned a slate of gubernatorial nominations to the governor on motion of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, arguing the budget should not ignore low-wage workers. The session also included recognition remarks for Ed Sheehan’s retirement and a submission to the record on the Treaty of Paris. The Senate then recessed until July 12, 2026, at noon, and several bills were signed in the presence of the Senate before recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $480 million to continue that effort to assist dam owners to do repairs and rehabilitation and the
• Arthur could answer: what is the state doing to allow more surface water to flow to farmers in the Central
• Other things we found that are very useful include partnerships with operators and owners of dams to
• Occasionally, you've got something that no longer serves its purpose, and the owner and operator in transparent
• is: how sufficient are the current water quality regulations for protecting both groundwater and surface

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the owner of two assisted living facilities.
• I've had deficiency-free surveys I am the owner of two assisted living facilities.
• We can use that even to cut stitches on the surface of the eye.
• you're doing the laser in the front part of the eye, you can trigger a retinal detachment. on the surface

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• that can be implemented now that will take care of the backlog and will prevent our package store owners
• store owners from going out of business. store owners from going out of business.
• Help our package store owners. Help the casinos. And look, you've been getting the phone calls.
• This just allows for regulations for surface mining and reclamation of activities under the purview of
• allows for regulations for surface allows for regulations for surface mining<02:11:27.920> and

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and moved into the calendar. Members also introduced several visitors and groups in the galleries, including AFL-CIO representatives, Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, New England College students on a civil rights tour, and other guests and constituents. The chamber then proceeded through a series of motions to reconsider, table, or advance bills on the calendar. On the appropriations calendar, the House passed several Senate bills after adopting strike-off or amendment language. Senate Bill 2896, described as a potential trooper pay raise measure, was amended and passed 128-0. Senate Bill 2898 increased the MIMA disaster assistance trust fund from $20 million to $40 million and passed 128-0, and Senate Bill 2924 authorized spending from that fund and passed 119-0. Other appropriations measures included Senate Bill 2825 on the healthcare industry zone act, Senate Bill 2832 extending a repealer for the short-line railroad tax credit, Senate Bill 2834 on motor vehicle specialty tags, Senate Bill 2835 allowing banks to use third-party vendors to check liens, and Senate Bill 2846 on conduit bonds; each was explained as largely conforming to House language or adding reverse repealers, and each passed overwhelmingly. The Ways and Means calendar included Senate Bill 2850, which removed a reverse repealer and updated the Advantage Jobs Act to align incentives with prior commitments and future tax changes; it passed 119-0. Senate Bill 2873 expanded administrative forfeiture procedures to products on the cigarette and ends registry and passed 117-1. Senate Bill 2882 clarified that tax assessors cannot require settlement statements for homestead exemptions and passed 118-0. Senate Bill 3111, which would exempt up to 10 cases of wine donated annually to nonprofits from alcohol taxes, drew some concern and passed 97-13 after a reverse repealer was added. Senate Bill 316 added energy storage facilities such as batteries to the definition of alternative energy for local ad valorem tax purposes and passed 114-1. Senate Bill 3124 revised the Pregnancy Resource Act to allow individuals as well as businesses to participate in the tax credit, adjust reporting and in-state requirements, and incorporate House language; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are surface vibrations that don't affect the bedrock.
• they've gone to bedrock for their vibration mitigation features in the plant, are not affected by surface
• In fact, the cement kiln itself and the rock crusher at surface level, if the permit is granted, do not
• This bill will provide a tool for the rightful owners of property to deal with squatters, folks who have
• Affected property owners could submit affidavits to the office showing the conduct.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:29.679> in the past has represented land owners in the past has represented land owners
• Is a deed, lease, or easement from the surface owner of the property that authorizes such use by the
• That's not where private property owner.
• the third-party attacher and the underlying property owner.
• I also do want to point property owner.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• driveway and scrap back, although even that makes me a little nervous if you're on a paved service surface
• driveway and scrap back, although even that makes me a little nervous if you're on a paved service surface
• He said he now stands before the committee as a state representative, a business owner, and a father
• a business owner and a father<02:08:09.199> raising<02:08:09.719> my<02:08:10.000>
• Police are under and overworked, and State Police, who can look at the surface of the vehicle, are not

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, placing what is called spat or juvenile oysters that have attached to a hard surface and will soon
• department's unilateral determination could lead to a permanent injunction stripping private property owners
• Affected property owners or developers would be forced to bear expensive litigation litigation costs
• contractor will complete a project according to the terms outlined in the contract by the project owner

Transcript Highlights:

• That prompts the owners of these power generation facilities to go to court to litigate, and who pays
• of these power generation the owners of these power generation facilities<00:15:14.519> to<00
• the swept rate will go down owners the swept rate will go down somewhat<00:21:45.640> according
• The idea was surfaced: why don't we just say that, you know, they said we're not utilities anymore?
• the idea was surfaced that why don't<00:32:19.760> we<00:32:20.639> why<00:32:20.760><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is covered is the massive amount of data that apartment owners are sharing that it's unclear to
• Despite municipal rules and notices, some property owners maintain nuisances on their properties while
• Then they have to, in fact, look up who the owner is.
• Once they find the owner, then they send them a notice: You need to pick it up.
• This definition is designed to capture surface waters that are not currently federally regulated, but

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee without quorum at first, then later established quorum and continued hearing several bills. SB 27, the annual CARE Court cleanup bill, would require courts to consider CARE referral for certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial, combine some hearings, allow limited data sharing among licensed medical professionals, and expand eligibility to include mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would clarify the meaning of “clinically stabilized,” streamline the process, and help more severely ill people receive treatment; opponents argued it would expand CARE Court too broadly, strain county resources, and divert attention from housing and voluntary services. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call. SB 82, dealing with so-called “infinite arbitration clauses,” would limit consumer contract arbitration provisions to disputes arising from the product or service actually purchased. The author and supporters said the bill would stop companies from forcing arbitration in unrelated claims and would not ban arbitration itself. Opponents from business and banking groups argued the language was too restrictive, could create litigation over related transactions, and should be clarified as prospective only. The committee approved the bill and placed it on call after a roll call vote. The committee then heard two reparations-related bills. SB 437 would direct CSU to develop a genealogical methodology and framework for verifying descendants of enslaved people, with oversight, reporting, and guardrails tied to recently allocated state funding. Supporters said the bill would create a fair, evidence-based process; opponents, including professional genealogists and reparations advocates, argued the work is already well understood, the bill is unnecessary, and it could delay action. SB 518 would create a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within state government, with divisions for genealogy, property reclamation, outreach, and legal affairs. Supporters framed it as needed infrastructure to implement reparations recommendations; opponents objected to locating it in the Department of Justice, warned about data privacy and law enforcement control, and criticized the inclusion of broader communities. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 52, the End AI Rent Hikes Act, which would prohibit the use of algorithms to collude on and artificially inflate rental prices; the author and supporters described it as a response to AI-assisted rent fixing in California’s housing market.

Transcript Highlights:

• As my colleague said, the Timberland Owners Association, Farm Bureau, as well as the National Wildlife
• As my colleague said, the Timberland Owners Association, Farm Bureau, as well as the National Wildlife
• As my colleague said, the Timberland Owners Association, Farm Bureau, as well as the National Wildlife
• As my colleague said, the Timberland Owners Association, Farm Bureau, as well as the National Wildlife
• The Timberland Owners Association, Farm Bureau, as well as the National Wildlife Federation all came

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• about the Secretary of State's office, but it makes us the starting point for prospective business owners
• To refresh everyone's memory, these are not lease payments to property owners.
• These services will help to manage the state's attack surface, improve detection software, and enhance
• But to your point, that expanded attack surface does present more challenges and requires vigilance,
• I wanted to ask, what does the attack surface threat management tool look like? What is that?

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for us, when you have all those impervious surfaces down there, it becomes economically unfeasible
• Even again, one spot per unit does sound like a little, but if you can’t add any impervious surface to
• to it you really want impervious surface to it you really want offsite<00:28:14.360> so<00:28
• allow one of the structures to be owner allow one of the structures to be owner occupied<00:44:48.599
• do that in order to ensure that owners do that in order to ensure that they<01:11:09.679> can

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proud of for Arizona and the West and the whole country, and it's because we have this board to help surface
• I bring to the board is the ability to understand and relate to what's happening with both the pet owner
• bring to the board is the ability to understand and relate to what's happening with both of the pet owner
• Listening to pet owners, veterinarians, learning about the Arizona Revised Statutes and the administrative
• veterinarians and the reward that they have in the service they're providing to animals and to the pet owners

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met to consider several board nominations, beginning with four nominees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Michael Cravens, Jared Lyman, Nathan Reese (who submitted a written statement and did not attend), and Richard Williams each described their backgrounds in wildlife management, ranching, public lands, or conservation, and emphasized balance, pragmatism, and public service in selecting commission candidates. Members asked about their experience, perspectives on candidate evaluation, and the role of the board. Each nominee was advanced to the full Senate by separate motions, all approved on 7-0 votes with one member not voting. The committee then heard Darren Rasmussen’s nomination to the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals. Rasmussen discussed his long career in property appraisal at the private, county, and state levels, including work with county assessors and valuation training. Senators focused on his ability to bring transparency, statutory compliance, and consistency to state land appraisals and appeals. His nomination was also forwarded to the full Senate on a 7-0 vote with one not voting. Next, the committee considered the Arizona Livestock Loss Board nominees, Stephen Clark and Randy Dahl. Clark, who chairs the board, explained the board’s process for compensating ranchers for wolf depredation and described the distinction between confirmed losses and “probables.” Senators asked about reimbursement procedures, the range of Mexican gray wolves, and whether wolves had attacked humans in Arizona; Clark said there had been no human attacks in the state and that livestock losses had been compensated. Dahl was unable to attend but submitted a statement citing his farming background and business and engineering experience. Both nominees were confirmed by 7-0 votes with one member not voting. Finally, the committee heard from Carolyn Radajack and Stephanie Teske for the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Radajack highlighted her prior service on the board’s investigative committee and her experience with disciplinary rules, while Teske emphasized her background as a sixth-generation rancher, veterinary assistant, and agriculture regulator, with a focus on rural livestock care and access to veterinarians. Senators discussed rural veterinary shortages, telemedicine, and the changing structure of veterinary practice. Both nominees were advanced to the full Senate on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• If e-bikes are allowed to operate on sidewalks and natural surface trails designated for non-motorized
• If e-bikes are allowed to operate on sidewalks and natural surface trails designated for non-motorized
• The operations of e-bikes on natural surface trails are also problematic.
• Please protect pedestrian safety and the sanctity of natural surface trails by opposing these two bills
• Before that, I was a company taxi medallion owner. My medallion was $725,000.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment. Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The plastic can attract other toxins onto the surface of the plastic because it's porous, and so it transmits
• concerned that HB4028 seeks to override TCEQ's existing regulatory... ...framework for establishing surface
• TCEQ already does a phenomenal job in evaluating and updating the surface water quality standards and
• What we did find is those that the EPA does regulate in drinking water and the soil... ...and in the surface
• To hold generation facilities accountable, Senate Bill 2321 requires that the owner-operators take commercially

Bills: HB1341, HB1674, HB4028, SB2321

Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, air quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, criminal offense, chemical regulation, preproduction plastic, water quality, pollution control, industrial waste, emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• If we don't do a great job of taking care of our employee owners, we won't be in business.
• I'm the owner of Electromatic. I've been running the company since 1997.
• From my perspective as a small business owner and a retailer, it's just the opposite.
• My name is Lynn Gort, and I'm the co-owner of Northern Waters Smokehouse in Duluth.
• As a business owner, our employees and their families need this benefit as soon as possible.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• PFAS is often used as the coating for solar panels, either on the surface or the undercoating.
• If I may, there's maybe as counsel, but ORES does not allow the state to force property owners to put
• But in any case, ORES is not about making property owners put solar on their property against the will
• of the property owner.
• understanding, ORES is about permitting projects that can be built on property where the property owner

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.