Transcript Highlights:

• Are you looking for less hunting opportunity on these animals in this area?
• Chair, Vice Chair, Representatives, thank you for this opportunity.
• My name is Tal Samson, and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity.
• Hello, and thank you for the opportunity. My name's Craig Wilson.
• Thank you for this opportunity. Tracy Miller, Kimberly, Idaho.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the opportunity along with Senator Parker to speak to these outstanding student athletes earlier
• WHEN WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO But I certainly will say that his influence in our lives, in our opportunity
• He created so many opportunities.
• He created so many opportunities.
• Jesse Jackson created so many opportunities.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.” After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements. On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity to testify today.
• Top of that list is that transit creates opportunity.
• Top of that list is that transit creates opportunity.
• Thank you for this opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity. Please support this bill.

Bills: HB2550 , HB2645 , HB2109 , HB2134 , HB2323

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transit, community colleges, student transportation, free rides, public transportation, HB 2645, HB2645, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, emergency infrastructure replacement, bridge collapse, bridge closure, transportation emergency, public safety, infrastructure repair, bridge replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• We support this appropriation for studying organic waste diversion and composting opportunities.
• From reducing appropriation for studying organic waste diversion and composting opportunities.
• And we talk about how there are economic opportunities for businesses to reduce, reuse, and recycle,
• And so, you know, this is an opportunity to help businesses reduce the cost that they have to pay in
• And so I do see this as an opportunity.

Bills: SB38 , SB46 , SB18

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, SB46, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, compost feedstock, waste characterization study

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and committee members, thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Christy Ransom.
• With that in mind, we appreciate the opportunity to support House File 2241 and House File 2634.
• Thank you for the opportunity to share this perspective with the committee.
• Invaluable hope and opportunity.
• Adding red tape only undermines its purpose and limits opportunities for students in need.

Bills: HF2634 , HF2241 , HF2649 , HF2520 , HF2610

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
• An opportunity for cost savings, and I hope that is taken to heart, Senator Gilman.
• Expanded outdoor opportunities.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify on House File 737.
• If you had anything, I don't want to miss an opportunity. All right, members.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:17.639><c> for</c><00:08:18.000><c> uh</c> you for the opportunity for uh you for the opportunity
• </c><00:10:38.120><c> for</c> bill and create more opportunities for bill and create more opportunities
• Thank you for the opportunity for testifying today.
• The games are an opportunity to showcase the best of Minnesota to our national audience.
• </c><00:47:22.599><c> to</c> Minnesota we have the opportunity to Minnesota we have the opportunity to

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have so much opportunity to really be that front door for international California.
• Our regions have unique assets and opportunities to build out strong economies.
• These are incredible, but very different opportunities across the state.
• This really brings that to the regional level and really focuses on those diverse opportunities.
• Chair Solis and members, thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact heard several bills focused on trade, affordability, and public finance. AB 2745 (Fong) would update California’s international trade and investment strategy, add a public advisory process, and allow regional trade hubs; supporters from the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and California Forward said it would help California compete globally and attract investment, while no opposition testified. AB 2366 (Avila Farías) would require state agencies to analyze cost-of-living impacts when adopting regulations and direct the LAO to develop guidance; supporters from the New California Coalition and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association argued it would improve transparency and help address affordability, while members noted concerns about implementation and unintended consequences. The committee also heard AB 2243 (Haney), which creates a commission to study whether California should establish a state public bank and how it might be structured. Supporters from the California Public Banking Alliance, climate groups, and other organizations said a public bank could reduce borrowing costs and finance housing, climate, and small business needs; the California Bankers Association and credit unions opposed the bill, arguing it could compete with private banks, duplicate prior studies, and raise unresolved regulatory and cost issues. Several committee members said they would support the study concept but wanted the bill amended so any final decision would return to the Legislature, and the author agreed to clarify that point and remove language related to extending local public bank licensing timelines. The committee also took up consent items AB 2048 (Calderon), AB 2583 (Hoover), and ACR 129 (Haney), which were approved without opposition. After quorum was established, the committee voted AB 2366 out on a 7-0 basis to Judiciary, AB 2745 out on a 7-0 basis to Appropriations, and AB 2243 out on a 7-0 basis to Finance, with the consent calendar also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I mean, this bill is a great opportunity to recognize the rigorous physical activity, discipline
• And I've had the opportunity to work with many families.
• And I've had the opportunity to work with many families.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, again for the opportunity to appear before you today.
• I welcome the opportunity to visit and meet with the individual that came up and provided remarks.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, as amended, the sponsor explained that the original child welfare language was replaced with a strike-all requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation to work with DCF and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability, report findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, and allow penalties for failure to provide requested information. The committee adopted the amendment and amendment to the amendment, heard supportive testimony from child welfare advocates, and reported the committee substitute favorably. The committee also heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, and clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, parents, and other supporters testified in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. On SB 794, the sponsor described requirements for background screening of employees in residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, workforce needs, geographic service gaps, and related recommendations due in 2027. The committee adopted a conforming amendment and reported the bill. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined DCF’s recent work on child welfare, behavioral health, peer support, and technology improvements, and answered questions about child welfare system challenges, funding formulas, opioid settlement dollars, and interoperability of agency systems. After public comment, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Graal voting no. The meeting ended with a request to record one senator’s vote on SB 1600 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to take a moment to thank all of you and the legislative staff for giving me the opportunity
• We offer, through our partnership with the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, savings opportunities
• I welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Thank you very much.
• Madam Chair, Senator Miranda, I welcome the opportunity to meet. Okay, thank you.
• Yeah, on that note, Madam Chair, Senator Miranda, I welcome the opportunity to meet.

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the land of opportunity. And it's not by happenstance.
• Why is Texas more the land of opportunity than other states?
• My ask of you is that you look at that title of the land of opportunity.
• But it's more than just maintaining the land of opportunity.
• Our goal should always be to expand that land of opportunity.

Bills: SCR7

Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock administered the oath of office to the senators-elect, and Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, emphasizing priorities such as foster care, the budget, border security, school choice, and maintaining Texas’s economic growth and constitutional principles. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also welcomed members and guests, noted the Senate’s bipartisan culture, and highlighted the chamber’s organization for the session. The Senate then held its organizational election for President Pro Tempore. Senator Tan Parker nominated Senator Brandon Creighton, and Senator Paul Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising Creighton’s background, legislative record, and leadership. The chamber voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the front and sworn in as President Pro Tempore by State Minister Scott Wall. Creighton delivered remarks about his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including education, border issues, energy, and Texas sovereignty. After the leadership election, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days during the specified January period. The resolution passed by a recorded vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus at 10 a.m. in the Betty King Room.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and really think this is an opportunity and really think this is an opportunity to<00:12:30.880>
• </c><00:36:27.840><c> and</c> I would not have the opportunities and I would not have the opportunities
• </c> opportunity to hear uh Senate File 3164. opportunity to hear uh Senate File 3164.
• </c> nationally recognized as an opportunity nationally recognized as an opportunity university.<00:52
• So, we're an opportunity communities. So, we're an opportunity university. university. university.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> opportunity to testify today. opportunity to testify today.
• </c> opportunities are out there. opportunities are out there.
• </c><00:14:42.880><c> that's</c> available and the opportunity that's available and the opportunity that's
• </c> you for the opportunity to testify. you for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for the opportunity. opportunity. opportunity.

Bills: SB2309 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2405 , SB2485

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair McKewen, Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Chair McKewen, Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Did you have an opportunity to hear the question?
• Did you have an opportunity to hear the question?
• ><c> hear</c><00:23:11.120><c> the</c> have an opportunity to hear the have an opportunity to hear the

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to be here today.
• Our customer base brings us all these opportunities.
• Our customer base brings us all these opportunities.
• We appreciate the opportunity to share that with you.
• Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity.

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, chairs and members of the committee for the opportunity to testify today.
• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to be here today and speak to these issues.
• And thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
• We do see the opportunity there, and that's something that we have to work...
• So it's going to be really delving deep into strategic rate design opportunities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to. Testify in front of you guys today.
• And I think brackish water opportunities for DESAL are important.
• Permitted opportunities such as irrigation or surface discharge. On slide.
• In summary, on slide 11, just big picture, we've got substantial opportunity.
• Chairman and members, thank you for the opportunity to be here today.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't have the opportunity to exchange for those lands.
• We didn't have the opportunity to exchange for those lands.
• We didn't have the opportunity to exchange for those lands.
• </c> committee thank you for the opportunity committee thank you for the opportunity to<00:14:57.120>
• </c><00:54:28.480><c> to</c> chair has allowed us this opportunity to chair has allowed us this opportunity

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For individuals who have not had the opportunity to sign up to testify, an opportunity will be provided
• Thanks for the opportunity to say just a few words.
• So thanks for the opportunity to say a few words. Thank you, Representative.
• So thanks for the opportunity to say a few words. Thank you, Representative.
• I've been getting opportunity. Okay. Motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing with House Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Co-Chair Brendan Crighton presiding. The committee heard testimony on two bills. The first, House Bill 4723, would designate a bridge in honor of the Ferreira Brothers. Christopher Pereira gave extensive family testimony describing the brothers’ World War II service, their postwar community work, and the family’s immigrant background. He said the bridge naming would be a fitting tribute, and noted support from the Chumsford Board of Selectmen. Representative Rodney Elliott also spoke in support as a co-sponsor, praising the family’s military and civic service. Representative Vanaugh Howard was called but did not testify due to technical issues. The second bill, House 4691, was described by Representative Steven Hawkins as a bipartisan effort with Representative Pease to address and commemorate the harms suffered by veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Hawkins said the measure recognizes the sacrifices of affected veterans and should be straightforward. No other testimony was offered on the bill, and no questions were raised by committee members. After hearing testimony on both bills, the committee took no recorded votes during the transcript. The hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn, a second, and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• move to more opportunity and more scale. scale. scale.
• We want to see increased opportunities, increased scale, in order to realize those opportunities and
• for kids to be gained opportunities for kids to be gained there. there. there.
• </c> better able to get those opportunities better able to get those opportunities to<00:21:32.680><c
• And so, um, it would be opportunities for that if that's what was geographically necessary.

Keywords: 926, house, all