Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :

Page 342 of 500
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Budget Mar 11th, 2026

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • appropriated.
  • And if we're going to appropriate them, why aren't we appropriating this money out of the road fund rather
  • The reason for the decrease is I requested from DESE. Yes, I had requested from DESE.
  • appropriate, as it may be...
  • Canby's Market was a department request as well as a governor's request.
Committee: House Budget
Summary: The House Budget Committee met with a quorum and began by taking up a series of budget bills and committee substitutes, including House Bills 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, which were laid over. The chair then walked members through a committee amendment package, explaining a mix of technical corrections, fund swaps, and adjustments involving highway patrol fringe costs, summary budget timing, rural health care, the CCBHO FMAP correction, and marijuana-fund reallocations. Members adopted the chair’s decrease amendments and later adopted the corresponding increase amendments, including partial restoration for Care to Learn, a Title I grant language change, an Overpass and Seymour road project, technical corrections for DPS and health-related items, and restorations for Jordan Valley and FQHC substance abuse funding. After a brief recess for session and lunch, the committee returned to House Bill 2 and began considering member amendments. On House Bill 2, the committee adopted Representative Lewis’s amendment making the curriculum transparency and parent portal item a pilot program, and Representative Davidson’s amendment adding $2 million in federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds for One-Time Wonder School. Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to shift funding from Missouri Star Solutions and WorkKeys to the Success Ready Student Assessment failed, as did Representative Taylor’s proposal to move $1.2 million from career ladder to community college nursing programs. The committee then rejected Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to redirect Title I Innovation and Improvement Grant funds back to the governor’s recommendation, and later adopted Representative Steinhoff’s vocational rehabilitation amendment, which restored the department’s request and drew down additional federal matching funds. The committee also adopted Representative Hyne’s language amendment to allow flexibility between the MOQPK pre-K grant program and the Child Care Works tri-share program, though members discussed concerns about cross-bill flexibility and whether funds would actually be available. Representative Fogle’s amendment to require budget communications sent to committee chairs to also go to the full Budget Committee was defeated after members expressed concern about information overload and the difference between required distribution and requested information. The committee then took up a lengthy debate over Representative Fogle’s amendment to remove language barring Parents as Teachers participation for children already enrolled in public pre-K. Supporters argued the programs serve different purposes and that families should not be forced to choose between them, while opponents said the language was intended to prevent duplication of services and preserve resources for children without other options. After extensive discussion, the amendment failed. The committee continued with additional House Bill 2 amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on the remaining items.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee to Hear State Auditor's Office Performance Audits, the Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative
  • you inform the chair and the legislative auditor and... ...inform the chair and the legislative auditor
  • Does the Commission plan to ask the legislature for legislative...
  • Staff requested reimbursement documentation before issuing additional payments.
  • And then down through whatever other rules that would be appropriate.
Keywords: 904, all
Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am Cindy Ryu, state representative from the 32nd legislative district.
  • Stephanie Barnard from the 8th legislative district. Just keep going down, thank you.
  • Representative Josh Penner from the 31st legislative district. Michael Keaton, 25th district.
  • Julio Cortes from the 38th legislative district. Tara Simmons from the 23rd legislative district.
  • We've structured our agenda to align with the chair's request for a briefing on AI.
Keywords: 904, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'd love to move it at the appropriate time.
  • Do pass to Appropriations with recommendation to consent calendar. Solache, aye.
  • Any future bank would still require approval and oversight by appropriate regulators.
  • This is a fabrication that bears no relation to the actual legislation.
  • This is a fabrication that bears no relation to the actual legislation.
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.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Local Government Jan 19th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • this legislation.
  • The family requested a judicial review.
  • The family requested a judicial review.
  • The family requested a judicial review.
  • legislation.
Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard briefings and public testimony on several bills. SB 6064 would let qualifying regional fire protection districts or authorities take over administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code within their boundaries, with notice to counties and equivalent jobs for displaced workers; supporters said it would improve consistency and local control, while counties, fire marshals, and builders opposed it as unnecessary and likely to add permitting complexity and delay. SB 6101 would require county coroners to be appointed rather than elected, while preserving appointed medical examiners in larger counties; the sponsor cited the Yakima County coroner controversy as the reason for the bill, and opponents argued it would reduce voter accountability and could increase costs, though some supporters said appointment would professionalize death investigations and improve consistency. SB 6077 would extend from 21 to 28 business days the deadline for assessors and taxpayers to exchange valuation evidence before property tax appeal hearings, with supporters saying the change would give taxpayers a fairer chance to respond and opponents saying the bill should also address long delays in scheduling hearings themselves. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County-specific Growth Management Act authority allowing freight rail-dependent uses on certain resource lands adjacent to a short-line railroad. The sponsor and supporters said the 2017 law was a poorly written special exemption that threatens agricultural and resource lands and should be repealed; opponents, including the railroad operator, business groups, and local officials, argued the rail overlay supports economic development, jobs, and low-emission freight movement and that the county should retain local control. Testimony on SB 5820 also raised concerns about safety, land-use conflicts, and the meaning of “adjacent,” with some witnesses saying the land is currently underused and others saying it is needed for future industrial and rail-served development. Finally, the committee heard SB 6013, an agency-request bill updating ski-area terminology and safety provisions to include aerial tramways, toes, and conveyors in the state’s ski lift regulations. State Parks supported the measure as a technical update to align safety inspections, insurance requirements, and rider conduct rules with current equipment terminology. The transcript ended before any vote or executive action was taken on these bills, and the chair noted some previously scheduled executive session items were moved to a later date.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Jun 24th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • body, and as the appropriators?
  • They're tied to things like retention legislation.
  • We're taking a lot of actions legislatively.
  • Eventually over time, I believe, different appropriators, different legislators made the decision to
  • If we have to change legislation, I guess we'll have to change legislation, but everybody should have
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Health and Human Services (02/18/2025)

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:07:23.160><c> will</c> 2.0 this critical legislation will 2.0 this critical legislation will
  • </c><00:08:00.520><c> with</c> positive effects of the legislation with positive effects of the legislation
  • </c> largely comfortable with the legislation largely comfortable with the legislation I<01:08:54.839
  • We did receive a request for a fiscal note worksheet, and given the volume of those requests, we have
  • Thank you very much. legislation if you're doing this and legislation if you're doing this and you're
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 18th, 2026

Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation deals with penny rounding. This legislation deals with penny rounding.
  • This legislation provides guidance on that. It was in correlation with the retailers association.
  • This bill allows a sheriff or a chief of police to request to transition.
  • That is what this legislation does.
  • As you review this legislation, as you review legislation this session, I hope this bill is seen for
Keywords: 989, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 11th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think it's appropriate considering the that adorned these walls.
  • I think it's appropriate considering there's a new portrait.
  • Appropriations Committee an annual report on implementation and outcomes.
  • The federal legislation does, in fact, discuss educational institution identification... ...legislation
  • She joined our office through the FSU legislative intern program.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate measures before final passage. The first major bill, health care patient protection, required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, a pediatric emergency care coordinator, and readiness assessments; it passed 36-0. A public records bill protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim also passed after questions about access for victims of police misconduct, with a 33-4 vote. The Senate next approved a local government cybersecurity bill creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help counties and cities strengthen cyber defenses, with priority for rural and fiscally constrained governments; after amendments, it passed 37-0. A clerks of court bill allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and, through a House amendment, revising legal notice and traffic citation distribution provisions, passed 38-0 despite debate over impacts on municipalities and law enforcement. The chamber also passed a trademark modernization bill and a septic system permit bill intended to reduce delays for builders; the septic bill was amended to align the House and Senate versions and passed 38-0. The longest and most contested item was the elections bill, which updated citizenship verification procedures using REAL ID and state databases, changed candidate qualification rules, and altered election administration provisions. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to exempt certain seniors, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, allow attestations in place of documentary proof of citizenship, and require human review over automated systems. One amendment to delay implementation until July 1, 2027, was also debated. The transcript ends while debate is still underway on the elections measure, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
  • Sections 3 through 11 provide definitions for this legislation.
  • Sections 3 through 11 provide definitions for this legislation.
  • So, you know, when we were writing this, legislate...
  • This was a change requested by the Department of Administration.
  • Thank you, Senator Neal, for this very expensive piece of legislation.
Bills: AB52 , AB76 , AB163 , AB388 , AB483
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Jan 20th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • That really is not appropriate, and we should do better there. And I would like to.
  • You're putting the appropriate guardrails around it.
  • And that goes for not just in the legislative process, but also in the military.
  • I think it's appropriate. I think all the questions are very fair.
  • I think it's appropriate. I think all the questions are very fair.
Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 19, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> I'd like to request the yays and nays. I'd like to request the yays and nays.
  • We request the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays are requested.
  • We request the yays and nas. The see? We request the yays and nas.
  • </c> legislation we're considering today. legislation we're considering today.
  • . legislation. legislation.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Education Policy Committee Apr 2nd, 2025

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • ... legislatively or constitutionally allowed by the US Supreme Court.
  • We had a request for roll call. I don't hear a second.
  • other state legislators, including ours.
  • really want to request to do it next time.
  • I really want to request to do it next time we come back.
Bills: SB211 , HB96 , SB215 , SB257 , SB13 , SB13
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I use they/them pronouns, and I serve as commissioner and legislative chair with the Washington LGBTQ
  • Bondenis-Sladder, State Senator, 48th legislative district, for the record.
  • Senator Vandana Slatter, State Senator, 48th legislative district, for the record.
  • Vandeness Ladder, State Senator, 48th Legislative District, for the record.
  • When we were working on that legislation, we had a different Senate.
Summary: The committee first met in executive session and advanced Senate Bills 6102 and 6103 with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and referred Senate Bill 6194 to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. SB 6102 would align the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations, SB 6103 would make payments for rural emergency hospital services subject to appropriation, and SB 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations under specified conditions. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, beginning in 2027, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor and one testifier supported the bill as a way to reduce barriers to timely HIV treatment and prevention; sign-in testimony showed 53 pro, 58 con, and one other. SB 5985 would create an online endometriosis resource center, require Department of Health training modules, and direct OSPI to include menstrual health and endometriosis awareness in school standards. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians testified in support, emphasizing long diagnostic delays and the need for earlier education; sign-in testimony showed 36 pro, 56 con, and 92 not testifying. SB 6019 would revise home care rate statutes to clarify how Medicaid home care agency rates are set, cap administrative portions at 20%, and require verification that funds are spent as required. The sponsor, labor, and provider representatives supported it as a technical fix to preserve pay parity, while sign-in testimony showed 46 pro and 57 con. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public and provider materials when appropriate and to consult experts; supporters said it could help reduce cognitive decline and align with the state Alzheimer’s plan, while sign-in testimony showed 61 pro and 62 con. Finally, SB 6210 would authorize the Health Benefit Exchange to add a new certification criterion for marketplace plans to address affordability and access, including possible requirements tied to county availability, plan differentiation, and metal-level offerings. The prime sponsor, the Exchange, AARP, and patient advocates supported it as a response to rising premiums and limited choices, especially in rural or single-carrier counties; insurers, brokers, and some carriers opposed it, warning it could reduce competition, create uncertainty, and raise costs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill with a requested amendment to avoid premature disclosure of proposed rates.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:39.479><c> and</c> lands to the agency when appropriate and lands to the agency when appropriate
  • </c> shall be granted by the appropriate shall be granted by the appropriate County<00:10:36.000><c>
  • :37.959><c> hhfc</c> County legislative body rather than hhfc County legislative body rather than hhfc
  • appropriates appropriates funds<00:15:43.680><c> first</c><00:15:43.920><c> testifier</c><00:15:44.639
  • </c><00:50:01.720><c> to</c> take do tax's amendment to request to take do tax's amendment to request
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Ways and Means May 26th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was just going to move favorable at the appropriate time. Okay, Representative Billings.
  • The other was over appropriations. And that total about $19.3...
  • The other was over appropriations. And that total about $19.3 million.
  • with additional funds or were appropriated funds that were not needed in this year.
  • But that $10 million was appropriated to that one piece of the project.
Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on May 26 and first took up Senate Bill 406, which authorizes the city of Slidell to seek voter approval for a local hotel and motel occupancy tax. The bill was described as a local measure giving the city council authority to place the tax on the ballot, with members noting that similar taxing authority exists in many other municipalities. Representative Wiley moved favorable passage, there was no objection, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then received an update from the Division of Administration’s Office of Facility Planning and Control on capital outlay savings identified through cash-flow review and project “scrubbing.” Officials said they found about $50 million in savings from updated cash flows, over-appropriations, projects bid under budget, and reduced appropriations in bundled projects. They explained that bundling projects, including some LED-related projects, allows agencies to shift savings within a bundle and manage overruns or underruns more flexibly. Members praised the savings work but asked whether the process could be moved earlier so the House could benefit sooner, and whether similar reviews could be expanded to other administering agencies and non-state projects. One member raised concerns about whether some projects, including schools and certain NGO-related items, should qualify for capital outlay funding at all, and urged a review of the statutory definition and project approval criteria. Staff said they would look at the definition, review recommendations from prior discussions, and consider ways to tighten the process. The committee then adjourned without further action.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Finance Committee 4/3/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> would appropriate would appropriate $55,000<00:01:50.439><c> each</c><00:01:50.640><c> year</c><
  • </c> fall leadership conference legislative fall leadership conference legislative day<00:03:45.000><
  • </c><00:29:01.200><c> can</c> different ways that uh legislators can different ways that uh legislators
  • </c> were having last year around legislation were having last year around legislation regarding<00:30
  • </c><01:11:31.199><c> for</c> 2741 does not include Appropriations for 2741 does not include Appropriations
Bills: HF1966 , HF54 , HF2043 , HF1171 , HF2741
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Day 18 (2-2-26)

Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> of this piece of legislation. of this piece of legislation.
  • So it is very appropriate that we have a robust debate and discussion on a piece of policy legislation
  • President, uh, co-sponsor request. >> Please continue. >> Mr.
  • President, I'm catching up on my co-sponsor request here.
  • </c><01:26:43.199><c> Research</c> directing the Legislative Research directing the Legislative Research
Keywords: 958, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 3rd, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to a removal, arrest. other appropriate legal
  • Moving to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day for legislative business.
  • Speaker, I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assemblymember Schultz to
  • Updating legislative calendar dates including the bill introduction deadline to reflect the appropriate
  • All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Business and Commerce Apr 1st, 2026

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the 89th legislative session.
  • to make that request.
  • I had legislation on the Lone Star Protection Act and started it.
  • We have requests for information out to fill in the indeterminate number.
  • This important legislation, which, as we 3704 in 2021.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce held its first interim hearing on securing critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, with a focus on Texas’s electric grid and the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act. The chair also highlighted Texas’s relatively low electricity prices and welcomed new committee members. ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission (PUC), and the Attorney General’s office were invited to explain how the state screens market participants and grid equipment for ties to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and how the agencies respond to noncompliance. ERCOT testified that it has implemented the requirements of three related Senate bills by requiring attestations on corporate affiliations and on critical grid equipment and services. ERCOT said it has processed thousands of attestations, used additional requests for information and third-party verification tools such as Dun & Bradstreet, and terminated nonresponsive market participants. ERCOT also said it has not seen a case requiring direct Attorney General involvement, but it does refer matters to the PUC when needed. The PUC said it can investigate suspected violations and impose penalties of up to $1 million per violation per day, and that most investigations into late or missing attestations have been resolved through compliance, market exit, or removal by ERCOT. The Attorney General’s office said its role is currently limited to audits and court involvement, and that it lacks broad independent investigatory authority under the act. Members pressed the panel on whether the current system is too reliant on self-reporting and whether it adequately addresses indirect foreign influence, especially through supply chains for batteries, inverters, transformers, and other equipment with routable connectivity. ERCOT acknowledged that the current attestation process has gaps and said it plans to refine definitions of critical grid equipment and grid services, improve information requests, and continue stakeholder rulemaking. The panel also discussed possible legislative changes, including tying prohibitions to the Department of Defense Section 1260H list and the Texas Prohibited Technologies list, clarifying warranty and service access, and expanding the statute to cover grid services more directly. Several senators raised concerns about cost, reliability, and the extent to which foreign-sourced components remain embedded in Texas infrastructure, while others suggested incentives for domestic manufacturing and stronger verification tools, including possible work with national labs such as Sandia.