Transcript Highlights:

• It's eliminating the positions, but it's also reducing student support services.
• It's our students, our schools, our public services are really depending on it. Thank you.
• workers and educators who keep Massachusetts' health and human service system running.
• That starts with permanently decoupling our That funds our essential services.
• We're already seeing consolidation of services, including at hospitals like Morton and St.

Bills: H4975

Keywords: federal tax changes, OBBBA, revenue impact, pass-through entities, state budget, tax relief, high-income earners, opportunity zones, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, you mean it's like service dogs or something? No.
• I have a sister who was severely handicapped and was living at home and required social services.
• We had to have a number of social services come into the home for help.
• And I think one thing you mentioned earlier about social services, them folks not wanting to...
• And so you may be labeled a humane investigator, neighborhood services officer, a community services

Summary: The Special Committee on Urban Issues held a public hearing on House Bill 2292, sponsored by Rep. Holly Jones, which would require cross-reporting and training between child/elder abuse systems and animal welfare personnel. Jones said the bill is intended to help identify abuse earlier by training investigators to recognize signs of abuse in both people and companion animals, and she announced planned amendments to narrow the definition of animal to dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds and to extend training time from one hour to one and a half hours. She emphasized the bill is focused on companion animals, not livestock, and said it would use existing agencies rather than create a new department. The committee heard questions about the definition of companion animal and the scope of the bill. Supporters included Humane World for Animals, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the Missouri Animal Control Association, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Wayside Waifs, and the St. Louis County Police Association. They argued that animal abuse is closely linked to child, elder, and domestic abuse, that animal control officers and humane investigators often see warning signs first, and that cross-reporting would improve early intervention and save lives. Several witnesses described cases where animal abuse coincided with child abuse or other violence, and some said current reporting systems are inconsistent or delayed. One witness also said the training could be provided at low cost through existing mechanisms. Opponents, including the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, and Missouri Animal Husbandry Association, raised concerns about the bill’s wording, possible inclusion of commercial breeders or livestock-related issues, and the role of humane investigators. They argued that animal abuse is already reported to law enforcement, that the bill could create confusion about authority or access to private property, and that it could impose costs and training burdens on agencies already stretched thin. Some rural witnesses said they wanted any investigations to remain with law enforcement and the Department of Agriculture, not animal welfare groups. The hearing ended without a vote or other action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, you mean service dogs or something? No.
• I have a sister who was severely handicapped and was living at home and required social services.
• We had to have a number of social services come into the home for help.
• And I think one thing you mentioned earlier about social services, them folks not wanting to...
• And so you may be labeled a humane investigator, neighborhood services officer, a community services

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for public service. One quick question for you, Representative Walsh: Mr.
• And it just means that you really wouldn't need a huge deep knowledge of how to access services.
• I'm Washington Technology Services WOTEC Director and State Chief Information Officer.
• Technology Services WOTEC Director and State Chief Information Officer.
• Thank you for your public service. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. Ms. Weeks.

Summary: The committee first heard staff and sponsor testimony on House Joint Resolution 4210, which would remove constitutional limits on the length of regular legislative sessions and instead let the legislature set adjournment dates by statute. Rep. Breonna Thomas and supporters said the measure would give lawmakers flexibility to set a sustainable schedule and improve working conditions, while opponents argued it would concentrate more power in the legislature and could lead to a year-round session. No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. Members then heard House Bill 2520, which would clarify that county governing bodies may hold emergency special meetings outside the county seat or remotely during true emergencies and may act at such meetings even if the public cannot first listen in. Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the bill was prompted by the Skagit Valley flooding and was meant to help local governments respond quickly in disasters. Testimony was split: counties and some others supported the clarification, while open government advocates urged tighter language defining “emergency” and limiting the bill to state or federally declared emergencies. The hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2499, in proposed substitute form, concerning conservation district supervisors. The substitute would let conservation districts opt into the general election system under Title 29A, remove the landowner requirement, keep a farm-operator requirement for some seats, extend terms from three to four years, and require financial disclosure filings in some circumstances. Supporters argued the bill would modernize elections, increase transparency, and improve voter access; opponents warned it could be costly for small districts, reduce participation, and create unintended consequences. No final action was taken in the hearing portion shown. In executive session, the committee voted 7-0 to report House Bill 2408, a cleanup bill removing obsolete references to the Office of Financial Management, with a due pass recommendation. It also voted 5-2 to report House Bill 2435, creating a legislative office of Indian affairs, with a due pass recommendation; some members supported the bill as improving government-to-government relations with tribes, while others wanted a fiscal note before fully supporting it.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a survivor of rape and sexual assault, and I am a service provider at the Seattle Indian Health
• As an organization, we have dedicated victim services, and as you all know, those services are being
• As an organization, we have dedicated victim services, and as you all know, those services are being
• And often we find ourselves in situations when services requested have to educate those service providers
• It will improve the services victims receive and remove barriers to accessing critical care.

Summary: The committee heard several public hearings on criminal justice and victim-related bills. SB 6087 would expand existing liability protections for donations of children’s items to include religious organizations and add strollers and car seats to the definition of children’s items; the sponsor said it would make it easier to donate usable baby equipment, and the Washington State Board of Health said it supported the goal but noted rulemaking and funding concerns under the original version. SB 5934 would change the standard for post-conviction DNA testing so courts must grant testing unless the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the results could not demonstrate a likelihood of innocence; the Innocence Project and a DNA exoneree supported it as a way to reduce years of litigation, while prosecutors and sheriffs/police chiefs opposed it as a burden shift that could increase frivolous motions and strain lab and attorney resources. SB 5520 would revise Washington’s wrongful-conviction compensation law by broadening definitions, extending filing deadlines, removing the waiver requirement, and making other process changes; the sponsor and Innocence Project said it would reduce barriers and better fulfill the state’s promise to exonerees, and a DNA exoneree described years of litigation just to access compensation. The committee also heard SB 6017, which would expand victim-centered and trauma-informed protections. The bill would allow a court to appoint a representative to ask questions of victims when a defendant represents themself, extend forensic exam consent to minors 13 and older in non-fatal strangulation cases, add female genital mutilation survivors to protections similar to the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights, and reauthorize and broaden the Safe Advisory Group’s mandate. Survivors, advocates, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy strongly supported the bill, describing courtroom questioning by self-represented defendants as retraumatizing and urging broader access to services for FGM survivors; defense advocates raised constitutional concerns about limiting a pro se defendant’s right to personally question witnesses and said the bill could be vulnerable to challenge without narrower guardrails. The hearing drew extensive survivor testimony, and the chair noted 108 people signed in support and one opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 5890, which would create an alternative reckless-driving offense for driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. The sponsor, a former firefighter, framed the bill as an accountability measure aimed at preventing severe crashes caused by extreme speeding. A committee member asked about officer discretion in emergencies, and the sponsor said the bill targets excessive speed while acknowledging that some situations may still be problematic. A preliminary fiscal note had been received.

Transcript Highlights:

• Debt service obligations are significant. This is true in Washington.
• On the debt service is significant...
• Or his colleague Lexi, and their fees on passenger ride services.
• . or his colleague Lexi, and their fees on passenger ride services.
• So the debt service... The debt service is $900 million, almost a billion per year in the biennium.

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from NCSL staff on national transportation funding trends and alternative user-fee options as gas tax revenue declines. The presentation covered declining fuel-tax purchasing power, the effects of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, and a range of state responses including indexed gas taxes, EV and hybrid registration fees, voluntary and mandatory road usage charges, transportation network company fees, retail delivery fees, and per-kilowatt-hour EV charging fees. Members asked about Virginia’s mileage-fee program, enrollment rates, and whether states had reduced gas taxes alongside new fees; the presenters said they would follow up with additional information. Committee staff then presented a comparison of Washington’s transportation budget with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, focusing on population, lane miles, road condition, fuel taxes, preservation spending, mega-projects, and governance structures. The discussion highlighted Washington’s unique transportation pressures, including ferries, fish-passage obligations, high debt service, and major capital projects. Members asked follow-up questions about debt service, interest costs, CCA impacts on fuel prices, and whether project costs differed by state. The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2109 would allow vehicles being towed on trailers to use coverings to contain mud, rocks, or debris instead of requiring prior cleaning; the bill’s sponsor and construction witnesses supported it as a practical solution, and the fiscal note showed modest costs to WSP and WSDOT. House Bill 2139 would raise snowmobile registration fees to support snow park and trail grooming; State Parks, DNR, and several snowmobile advocates supported it, while some snowmobile users opposed it, arguing that enforcement of unregistered sleds should be addressed first. House Bill 2192 would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority and allow it to collect certain health data; the sponsor and agency supported the bill as a public-health tool, while one attorney raised concerns about limiting civil discovery and evidentiary access in fatal crash litigation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Crisis services and 5150s are not just policy concepts to me. They have been my reality.
• Crisis services and 5150s are not just policy concepts to me. They have been my reality.
• So my office takes, I'm going to say all of us do, on constituent services.
• Medically tailored meals is one of the services with the highest utilization.
• I was running an aid service agency. It was at the height of the epidemic.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The request includes two new food service supervisors and one new public safety officer, as well as an
• institutional service assistant and a project program specialist, while surrendering two positions.
• institutional service assistant and a project program specialist, while surrendering two positions.
• The food services supervisor will provide leadership and oversight for dining services, while the public
• One appropriation within Workforce Services to another appropriation.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES THROUGH THE TAX COLLECTORS
• AND ALSO THE REAL PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO IMPROVE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC IN GETTING TITLES AND TAGS
• BUT REALLY IT YOU CAN ONLY USE TRANSPORTATION FOR APD SERVICES.
• WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IS TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGE COMMISSION AND THEIR INNOVATIVE SERVICES GRANT
• WITHOUT THE FUNDING EXISTING NEW APPLICANTS WOULD BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND GET INDIVIDUALS IDD

Transcript Highlights:

• , the services are available to anyone in the community.
• And so homeless services needs.
• The services are available to anyone in the community.
• to provide the services that I shared later.
• </c> service location to provide the services service location to provide the services that<00:50:40.360

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Department of Health and Human Services. Department of Health and Human Services.
• </c> matters related to long-term services matters related to long-term services and<00:05:51.880><c>
• </c> long-term services and supports program. long-term services and supports program.
• To set up those services, to make sure that those services are working well for the patient, and keeping
• services, how frequently they need those services, and<00:13:38.240><c> to</c><00:13:38.480><c> work

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Services and Dr yamane we stand on our Services and Dr yamane we stand on our written<01:22:34.600><c
• </c><01:27:11.840><c> through</c> Behavior Health Care Services through Behavior Health Care Services
• </c> the sunset does not cause these services the sunset does not cause these services to<01:28:13.920
• There's no other service that provides the service and then is under reimbursed for the service that
• </c><01:37:29.159><c> and</c> service that provides the service and service that provides the service

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1494 on hearing aids. Testimony was generally supportive of expanding hearing-aid coverage, with the Insurance Division raising concern about possible federal defrayment issues, SHPDA supporting the goal of hearing augmentation, DCAB strongly supporting the bill as an important access issue, and health plans and insurers asking for amendments. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans requested changes to add a medical-necessity standard and clarify annual notice language, while HMSA suggested the proposal should be studied by the auditor. The chair noted concerns about federal preemption and the lack of an audit, and deferred the bill in favor of a related resolution calling for a study. The committee then heard SB 1448, an emergency appropriation for the Hawaii State Hospital. DAGS and the Department of Health supported the measure, with the hospital administrator saying the funding would improve the environment of care, support cleaning, and allow a third-party review of the building. Committee members questioned the size of the request and the status of litigation against the design-builder. Administration witnesses said they were pursuing a comprehensive study involving destructive testing, had made a demand on the design-builder to fund the study, and were using different processes than before. They also said the roof work would be handled through a separate CIP request. No final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 1432, relating to the future responsibilities of the Department of Health and land issues at Kalaupapa after the last patient dies. DOH supported the bill in part but said its long-term role would be limited mainly to environmental cleanup, with operations expected to continue under the National Park Service and land-use decisions left to DHHL and beneficiary consultation. DHHL asked that the measure reflect that any land-use or zoning changes on homeland lands require commission approval and beneficiary consultation. Testifiers from Kalaupapa and Maui County, including Degra Vanderbilt-Papa and Council Member Keani Rollins-Fernandez, supported deferring the bill, saying there had been no meaningful community discussion about provisions affecting Kalaupapa’s future management and possible transfer of responsibilities to Maui County. The committee also read into the record written testimony from Gloria Marks emphasizing that Kalaupapa stakeholders must be included in future discussions. Finally, the committee heard SB 955 on fitness-to-proceed examinations. The Judiciary and the Public Defender’s Office both supported raising pay and standardizing expectations for private examiners, but opposed reducing felony fitness evaluations from three examiners to one and opposed expanding use of expedited reports. They argued that a single examiner would reduce reliability, create a more adversarial process, and likely increase costs and contested hearings, while expedited reports do not contain enough information for a proper fitness determination. The Department of Health also supported the bill’s intent but asked to preserve a three-examiner framework and said the goal was to reduce the number of people sent to the State Hospital, where admissions have reportedly risen about 20% year over year since Act 26. The bill remained under discussion in the excerpt, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• What actually happened is that the services for this program were what we call unbundled.
• On the question of bundling, where these services still exist, that is partially true.
• We move these services when we cut it out of the managed care model and into a fee-for-service model.
• So by moving this out of the bundled service, it makes it near impossible for the service to function
• service to function in the way it is meant to function.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee convened with a quorum, welcomed a new page, Allie Silver of Twin Falls, and heard that she hopes to pursue nursing. The committee then took up House Bill 591, a county-requested cleanup bill repealing the last remaining code section for the defunct county medical indigent program, which was repealed in 2022. Representative Redman presented the bill, Representative Healy moved a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved sending HB 591 to the floor. The committee next introduced RS 33469, which would add physical therapists to the direct primary care section of state code. Representative Furman said the measure would allow physical therapists to participate in direct primary care arrangements without expanding their scope of practice, though members asked for more detail about the diagnosis and assessment language. The committee voted to introduce the RS. It also introduced RS 33466, a joint memorial supporting the Department of Insurance’s actions against Medicare Advantage plan practices that allegedly made enrollment difficult and reduced broker commissions; Furman said the memorial would urge CMS to clarify roles and support Idaho’s efforts to protect seniors and stabilize the insurance market. The most extensive discussion centered on RS 33407, which would place the assertive community treatment (ACT) behavioral health program into statute after budget cuts disrupted its funding structure. Furman argued the program serves people with severe mental illness, reduces hospital and jail use, and saves the state money, while committee members raised concerns about the fiscal note, future general-fund costs, enrollment limits, and whether the bill would expand the program. Furman said the program remains constrained by provider ratios and clinical need, and that alternate funding options were being explored. Despite reservations from some members and the chair, the committee voted 15-1 with one “maybe” to introduce RS 33407, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A data broker also does not include a business entity that performs services for, or acts on behalf of
• There are two amendments: MOV-590 by Representative Rew requires the owner of a self-service storage
• MOV-608 by Representative Wallin requires the owner of a self-service storage facility to provide an
• So, for a total of 30 days to get their property out of the self-service storage unit. Thank you.
• So, for a total of 30 days to get their property out of the self-service storage unit.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met in executive session to review several bills and amendments. Staff briefed House Bill 2483 on creating a data broker registry, House Bill 2477 on limiting claims arising from appraisal reports, House Bill 2274 on the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act, House Bill 2394 on insurance fraud enforcement, House Bill 2624 on consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions, and House Bill 2240 on self-service storage rental agreements. Members discussed proposed amendments on narrowing the data broker definition, delaying registration dates, expanding exemptions, clarifying appraisal-related limitations, and revising email and insurance fraud language, but action on HB 2483 and HB 2477 was deferred. The committee then moved HB 2274 forward. Supporters said it was a needed fix after litigation involving misleading commercial emails, while some members noted remaining concerns but wanted to advance the bill before policy cutoff. The committee adopted the proposed substitute and reported it out with a due pass recommendation by a 12-3 vote. HB 2394 was also deferred without action. HB 2624 was reported out with a due pass recommendation after debate over whether the bill’s carve-out for public entities, tribes, and nonprofit nature conservancies was too broad; the vote was 9-6. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2240, requiring both email and first-class mail delivery of rental agreements when an email address is provided and extending notice for termination or nonrenewal to 25 days. As amended, HB 2240 was reported out with a due pass recommendation by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Idaho Service Challenge, recognizing a theme song to celebrate America's 250th birthday, and encouraging
• We are looking to get 250,000 acts of service by the end of the year.
• , you can actually log in there and track those acts of service.
• The next thing that you'll hear You can actually log in there and track those acts of service.
• House Bill No. 513 by the Business Committee, an act relating to the Barber and Cosmetology Services

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, and members noted the recent death of Representative Lyndon Bateman, offering condolences for his family. The journal for the prior legislative day was approved without objection. The chamber then moved to House Concurrent Resolution 22, which honors the nation’s 250th anniversary by declaring 2026 the Year of Volunteerism and the America 250 in Idaho Service Challenge, recognizing the song “Forever Idaho,” and encouraging Idahoans to sign the state’s replica Declaration of Independence. Before considering HCR 22, the House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote, 68 ayes and two abstentions. Representative Mitchell explained the resolution as part of a broader effort to promote service, community engagement, and celebration of American founding principles, including a goal of 250,000 acts of service tracked through IdahoKindness.com. The House then adopted HCR 22 by voice vote and transmitted it to the Senate. A performance of the “Forever Idaho” song followed, along with remarks thanking organizers, ambassadors, service groups, and the Sons of the American Revolution for the Declaration signing display. The House also received committee reports and introduced several bills and one joint resolution for first reading, including measures on private forest land, surveyor licensing, cosmetology licensure and exams, bullying prevention training, parental rights in education, repeal of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region statute, and a constitutional amendment on sectarian appropriations. During announcements, members highlighted a housing and affordability lunch-and-learn, an informational meeting on rats in the Treasure Valley, visits from a Pacific Northwest Economic Region delegation, and Sugar Day at the Capitol. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 8 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , anesthesia, preoperative services, prescription drugs, and pharmacy services.
• they would, what the third party administrator would do in setting up the program is invite our in-service
• And so now you have what the total price is for the same type of service and so.
• But the bundled services, are they gonna be directed to a certain like, um, healthcare?
• You know, either we're going to continue to just give lip service to actually trying to lower medical

Transcript Highlights:

• So, SB 700 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by Chair Truenow.
• The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a wide and varied portfolio.
• Alex Haley, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, waving in support.
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, waving in support.
• Alex Haley, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, waving in support.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met and considered four bills. SB 178, by Senator Rouson, created an agronomic study to be conducted by Florida A&M University, subject to appropriation, to identify viable crops or products for land taken out of production by disease or weather and to assess environmental and economic impacts; it passed unanimously and was reported favorably. SB 980, by Senator Bernard, created a one-year Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program within FDACS to help postsecondary institutions address student hunger through task forces, SNAP assistance, food pantries, and related measures; DACS support was noted, one student government representative appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 786, by Chair Truenow, prohibited assignment of assessments on agricultural improvements for agricultural purposes on lands classified as agriculture; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 700, the FDACS “farm bill,” via a strike-all amendment. The amendment included a broad package of technical and substantive changes, including restrictions on additives to public water systems, limits on ESG considerations in agricultural lending, criminal penalties related to drone harassment, updates to disaster loan programs, truth-in-labeling provisions, charity registration changes, on-farm worker housing provisions, and support for FFA and 4-H dues. A major point of discussion was the provision preempting local governments from deciding whether to fluoridate water; supporters argued for statewide consistency and consumer choice, while opponents, including the Florida Dental Association and local officials, warned it would remove local control and harm public health, especially for low-income residents. Other speakers addressed concealed carry due process concerns, landowner rights, and labeling issues. The strike-all was adopted, and CS/SB 700 was reported favorably, with some senators noting they would continue working on concerns before later stops. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton asked to be recorded as voting yes on SB 178, SB 980, and SB 786, and the committee agreed. The chair also welcomed Warner University agriculture policy students visiting the Capitol, and the meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> after 30 years of professional service. after 30 years of professional service.
• </c><00:44:39.440><c> Your</c> years of dedicated service. Your years of dedicated service.
• </c> teach service, skill, and leadership. teach service, skill, and leadership.
• Service Award.
• </c> duty, faith, humility, and service. duty, faith, humility, and service.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't deny anybody that's a non-member service.
• Grid support services that we rely on.
• The grid support services that they are able to provide today.
• ...service connected?
• GRIT has been Value streams for services to the grid and to customers.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 1, recommendation for driver license services...
• I've used the service.
• We are working with Amazon, our AWS services, looking at automation.
• Thank you very much for your service. All right.
• Item 2 covers special education services at state facilities.

Bills: SB 1

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

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.