Transcript Highlights:

• But a big chunk of that difference is also the credit on row 14: a $25 million reduction in LFC power
• And given all of that, and also that the governor had provided an executive order for $90 million for
• I'm wondering, 10 years from now, let's say we don't know who the governor will be in 10 years, we don't
• I think there's a message from the governor for both of those bills.

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• A GOVERNOR ENDORSED CANDIDATE RAN EXPLICITLY ON A PLATFORM IN BRINGING STATE-LEVEL POLITICAL AGENDAS
• SO EARLIER LAST YEAR THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD HAD KIND OF A SCUFFLE WITH THE GOVERNOR.
• UNFORTUNATELY NOW WE ARE SEEING THIS BILL TO PREEMPT THEIR POWER FROM TALLAHASSEE ONCE AGAIN.
• I DON'T THINK WE CAN CONCEPTUALIZE HAVING THE LEGISLATURE PICK THE GOVERNOR AND IT'S MUCH THE SAME IN

Transcript Highlights:

• bringing a process to the emergency. that that is relevant to what President Trump announced and that Governor
• Trump do it, and you've also had Governor Newsom do it.
• But once the fires do start, we have to have the people power and wildfire modeling capacity to contain
• And neighboring South Carolina's governor declared a state of emergency due to wildfires. Mr.

Bills: HB471

Committee: Senate Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources Subcommittee

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• Network-supported programs create powerful moments of engagement.
• Right now, it simply says the governor gets to choose whomever the governor wants.
• What we're recommending is that we say that the governor still gets to choose from a list of recommended
• The governor gets to pick some. Legislative council. But that's not, that's a blank slate.
• We collect, there's a nominating committee and they send names up to the governor for selection.

Bills: HB40 , HB100 , HJR1 , SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: educational retirement, annuity adjustments, cost of living, non-compounding payments, retirement benefits, STEM funding, education, innovation, public education, New Mexico, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• These are long-term questions for the governor and the legislature.
• In terms of next steps, the governor will be releasing his budget within the month.
• So will the WSDOT decision package, well, the governor...
• The WSDOT decision package, or will the governor be presenting us with a plan, a strategic plan, for
• WSDOT is also considering a pilot program, under the direction of the governor, for the SR 410 bridge

Summary: The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital needs, current fleet status, and long-range funding outlook. Staff described the current service pattern, ridership recovery since the pandemic, the aging fleet, and the state’s plan to add three new hybrid-electric Olympic-class vessels under the 2025 budget, with delivery expected around 2030-2032. Members also heard that the fleet is operating with no reserve vessel, that preservation time is below the desired level, and that terminal electrification and vessel conversion plans face timing, cost, and procurement risks. Questions focused on ridership trends, biofuel supply, design-risk allocation in vessel contracts, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessel delivery, and the cost and feasibility of restoring international Sidney service, which would require a SOLAS-certified vessel. Staff then outlined ferry capital funding, saying recent spending and programmed needs are far above regular ferry-specific revenues and that the system relies on a mix of dedicated accounts, transportation package money, federal grants, and transfers. They said the near-term budget is balanced through 2027-29, but the longer-term capital outlook shows a shortfall of roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with broader unmet needs much higher. The presentation estimated costs for future vessels, life extensions, terminal electrification, and additional Jumbo Mark II conversions, and noted that the current enacted plan does not fully fund fleet replacement, full electrification, or life extension of older vessels. Members asked for follow-up information on terminal seismic/environmental issues, contract options for additional vessels, and the timing and cost of alternative vessel designs. The committee then shifted to WSDOT maintenance and preservation. Pascoe Focktich described maintenance operations, including winter response, guardrail repair, facilities, equipment, and the effects of underfunding and inflation. He said most of the maintenance budget is fixed cost and labor, that material prices have risen sharply, and that many facilities are in poor condition with asbestos issues and deferred upkeep. He also noted growing guardrail damage, increasing pavement claims, and the burden of maintaining aging bridges and facilities. Members asked about prior planning for these needs, the role of asbestos, and whether more proactive sequencing could help budget decisions. Troy Suing then presented the highway preservation program, saying WSDOT is in the early stages of critical failure and has stretched preservation dollars as far as possible. He explained the distinction between pavement, bridge, and other highway asset preservation, said the department is largely reactive, and estimated that delaying work can make it three to five times more expensive later. He said about 40% of roadways are currently due or overdue for preservation, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the department’s 10-year preservation need is about $8 billion. Members asked about the cost of deferring work, whether the department could do more if funded, how priorities are set, and whether other states face similar problems. Finally, Evan Grimm and Mike Fay briefed the committee on bridge strikes by overheight vehicles. They described recent incidents on I-90 near Cle Elum and SR 410 near White River, the damage and closures caused, and possible countermeasures such as public outreach, improved trip-planning tools, and a pilot warning system with sensors and flashing beacons. Fay explained the state’s financial recovery process for third-party damage, saying WSDOT recovers roughly $20 million per biennium and about 78% to 80% of billed damages, with money going to the motor vehicle fund. Members asked about prevention, insurance recovery, and whether the state uses claim data to inform future design or safety changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, human nature is such that when power is sought, you consolidate that power and you want to extend
• I mean, human nature is such that when power is sought, you consolidate that power and you want to extend
• The the problem is that powerful.
• They were deeply centralized power.
• We've had the power of the the power.

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that's the power of these screeners that are embedded in this bill. because while at this
• So we see tutoring as a very powerful recruitment tool for future educators, but current state funding
• This limits their earning power, job options, and often their children's educational outcomes.
• We all know how powerful education is. education is in shaping young minds and Texas must ensure that
• Flags can be powerful. and should not elevate or show partiality to any person or group of persons.

Bills: SB451 , SB762 , SB1490 , SB1262 , SB1459 , SB1750 , SB1962 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2365

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, the governor has announced recently he's moved money within the budget.
• Our powers aren't full-time, I guess.
• Our powers aren't full-time, I guess.
• Our powers aren't full-time, I guess.
• ,<00:41:51.800><c> someone</c><00:41:52.280><c> said,</c> governor, someone said, governor, someone said

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19 DCBS 00:01:58, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• going to come in to increase revenues to Prop 64, approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor
• In fiscal year 21-22, the governor and Legislature agreed to expand access to subsidized child care by
• In fiscal year 21-22, the governor and Legislature agreed to expand access to subsidized child care by
• And finally, families and providers must share power in shaping this system.
• My name is Odessa Powers, and I'm an immigration attorney with the Children's Law Center.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyway, bipartisan agreement, power sharing, that's right, in the spirit.
• Anyway, bipartisan agreement, power sharing, that's right, in the spirit.
• This agency is overseen by a board appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate.
• This agency is overseen by a board appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate.
• This agency is overseen by a board appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate.

Bills: HF2371 , HF2147 , HF2557 , HF1165 , HF2466 , HF2465 , HF2482

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: informed consent, sensitive examinations, healthcare, patient rights, anesthesia, hot water pools, rental properties, public health, safety regulations, Minnesota Statutes, health care access, hospital surcharge, fund allocation, medical assistance, health funding, health care, education, bonding capacity, financing, Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority

Transcript Highlights:

• the governor and Council under the the governor and Council under the provisions<00:04:14.400><c> of<
• Neither Governor Sununu nor Governor Ayotte were there when we spoke about that.
• And in fact, the governor did in the budget, if you look at the budget.
• And in fact, the governor did in the budget, if you look at the budget.
• And in fact, the governor did in the budget, if you look at the budget.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Personnel Appeals Board, which explained that it became an independent state agency after Senate Bill 487 and was presenting its first standalone operating budget. The board described its quasi-judicial role in hearing appeals from classified state employees over disciplinary actions such as warnings, suspensions, and terminations, and said it handles about 25 to 35 cases a year, with some cases lasting longer because of their complexity. Members also outlined the need for a chair and vice chair who are attorneys, the board’s current staffing and space needs, and its plan to move away from reliance on Administrative Services for office support and website functions. The board requested about $353,500 for fiscal year 2026, including startup costs, routine operating expenses, and two new part-time positions: a program director and a paralegal. Members said the budget reflects the new independent status, includes funding for only four board members rather than the authorized five, and is designed to avoid full-time staffing costs and benefits. Legislators asked about the cost per case, the board’s relationship to DAS, whether appeals must go through the board before court, and how often cases are appealed further. The board said appeals must first go through it, that court appeals are infrequent but have increased recently, and that the board’s process is intended to resolve disputes more quickly and less expensively than court litigation. Committee members also asked about the board’s caseload, outcomes, and staffing. The board said that in the prior year there were 22 cases, with four decisions overturned in favor of employees, nine dismissals, and nine settlements, and that many disputes are resolved before reaching the board through a multi-step internal process. A member noted the governor and council had recently approved a new board member and were expected to approve a fifth soon. The discussion ended with questions about the board’s website and records access, which members said would need to be moved from Administrative Services as part of the agency’s transition. The committee then moved to the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities. The executive director explained that the council is 100 percent federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and develops a five-year plan to address the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said the council works with state agencies and advocacy organizations on quality-of-life issues, accessibility, voter rights training, and plain-language or easy-to-read materials, and that 60 percent of its membership must be individuals with disabilities or family members/guardians. She also described the council’s funding structure, including reimbursement to the state for operating costs, and noted that it currently has three full-time and three part-time positions, with no new positions requested but one full-time position being eliminated and replaced after a pandemic-era staffing change did not work out as planned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Don't chase power. Be a servant. Your soul is more important than your bill. Don't lie.
• The governor signed it last week, but it dealt with the Secretary of State's office issuing certificates
• The governor signed it last week, but it dealt with the Secretary of State's office issuing certificates
• For this body's understanding, this was the program that helped develop Power & Light in Kansas City,
• This will have a powerful effect on our rural communities and rural community development.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature, with the administration, has really designed and launched a powerful approach.
• I think it's more powerful than any of those elsewhere in the country.
• Promise Neighborhoods and regional place-based initiatives can be powerful partners.
• We have the power to build strong schools based on relationships and shared decision-making.
• We have the power to build strong schools based on relationships and shared decision-making.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing on the Governor’s proposal to convert the California Community Schools Partnership Program from a one-time grant model into an ongoing $1 billion Proposition 98 program. Finance and CDE described the expansion as a way to sustain existing community schools and add thousands more, with county offices, regional/state technical assistance centers, annual self-certification, and a future accreditation process intended to support fidelity to the state framework. The LAO opposed shifting to an ongoing categorical program and recommended continuing one-time grants, while suggesting longer-term funding for technical assistance and, if ongoing funding is adopted, stronger planning, reporting, phased expansion, and clearer accreditation timelines. Committee members pressed the administration on how the new proposal could fund far more schools with less money than the original $4.1 billion program, how much of the funding would go to existing cohorts versus new schools, and whether the proposal sufficiently requires planning and implementation before funds are received. Testimony from practitioners and advocates largely supported ongoing funding but emphasized that money alone is not enough. Speakers from LPI, CTA, San Diego Unified, Fresno County, the Partnership for the Future of Learning, and Sacramento County urged stronger requirements for shared governance, explicit commitment to the community schools framework, annual reporting beginning in year one, and continued or expanded support for coordinators and technical assistance. Several witnesses said the proposal should better protect county office coordination roles, maintain preferences for partnerships in the technical assistance structure, and ensure the system can support more than 6,000 schools. Others highlighted the need for specialized supports for middle and high schools, better integration with other state programs such as ELOP, universal meals, TK, and the LCFF equity multiplier, and more detailed accountability and accreditation processes. No formal vote was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript. The chair indicated that the committee wanted additional information on the funding breakdown, the use of reverted funds, and the proposed support structure before taking action, and administration witnesses said a more detailed proposal would be brought forward in the May Revise.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor is proposing to shift from a one-time program to an ongoing system at scale with the proposal
• The legislature, with the administration, has really designed and launched a powerful approach.
• I think it's more powerful than any of those elsewhere in the country, and it is a wonderful moment to
• Promise Neighborhoods and regional place-based initiatives can be powerful partners.
• We have the power to build strong schools based on building relationships and shared decision-making.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• government officials to get a warrant before accessing historical location information in these cloud-powered
• the lower courts are still struggling with a little bit today, as to at what point even the most powerful
• Unfortunately, despite revenues nominally increasing, the purchasing power afforded by HIRF has been
• 1547 attempts to address the inequity in the current system by requiring alternative fuel vehicles powered
• So I think we need to do the old Governor Brewer trick of block everybody in the room and let’s figure

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate patient brokering in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Sponsor Sen. Werner described patient brokering as a continuing abuse tied to the state’s Medicaid fraud crisis, especially affecting Native Americans, and said the county attorney had the capacity to handle statewide oversight. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on a 9-0-1 vote. The committee then considered SB 1111, as amended by a strike-everything amendment, to create statewide rules for automated license plate readers. Supporters from law enforcement said ALPRs are important for investigations, missing persons, stolen vehicles, and violent crimes, and argued the bill adds needed guardrails and training requirements. Opponents, including the ACLU, Institute for Justice, and private citizens, warned the systems enable mass surveillance, can be inaccurate, and raise Fourth Amendment and privacy concerns; they also objected to broad terms like “legitimate” law enforcement purposes and the lack of a clear retention limit. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 1111, as amended, a do pass recommendation by a 7-2-1 vote. Next, SB 1116, as amended, was heard to require behavioral health claim denials and appeals at AHCCCS to be reviewed by someone with relevant clinical experience. Sen. Werner said the bill responds to improper denials and appeals handled by staff without behavioral health expertise; AHCCCS was neutral but said the bill could create compliance and staffing issues because “relevant clinical experience” is not well defined. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 10-0. SB 1122, also as amended, would bar AHCCCS from requiring prior authorization or 100% prepayment review for certain behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan unless a provider is on a corrective action plan; Werner said it was aimed at ensuring providers are paid and reducing patient brokering. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1122 10-0. Finally, the committee heard SB 1072, which would appropriate ongoing state and Medicaid funds to DES for rate increases for home- and community-based services and room-and-board services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with reporting on workforce outcomes. Supporters from APAD and providers said the direct care workforce is in crisis, with large numbers of vacancies, overtime costs, and unassigned authorizations, and argued the funding is needed to retain staff and maintain care. Members discussed wage disparities, whether funds would reach caregivers, and the limits of legislative control over private provider pay, but no vote on SB 1072 was reached before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is where operators. να συνδεθούν με το σύστημα και να αντιμετωπίσουν injection volumes and also power
• And it gives that power to the company.
• Our oil and gas industry powers the nation, drives the economy, and provides countless jobs. jobs for
• It is directed by a 12-member board of directors appointed by the governor.
• Yeah, well, it's standard language, and after the passage in, like, November� when the governor signs

Bills: HB206 , HB 1285 , HB1335 , HJR107 , HB206

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, HB 1285, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, drones, unmanned aircraft, UAS, drone inspections, oil and gas, pipeline inspection, surface mining, well sites, tank batteries, disposal wells, injection sites, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The proper authority is the governor who would be pardoning for the juvenile authority.
• Immigrants power local and rural economies.
• And that would serve at the pleasure of the governor. Mr.
• I know this is a message by the governor. This is a bill that she wants to go forward.
• I know this is message by the governor. This is a bill that she wants to go forward.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 25, which would prohibit a juvenile who committed a firearm-related delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult from legally owning or possessing a firearm for 10 years after disposition. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to address serious youth gun violence without lengthening juvenile sentences or unsealing records, and they emphasized that the substitute language was meant to clarify, not change, the bill’s intent. Support came from law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, CYFD, and business interests, while opponents including the Public Defender, ACLU, and criminal defense advocates argued it conflicts with juvenile-code principles, creates civil disabilities based on juvenile conduct, and could raise Second Amendment and sealing-record concerns. Members raised extensive questions about how the NICS background-check process would work, what offenses would qualify, whether the measure would apply retroactively, and how sealed juvenile records and pardons would be handled. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided; members discussed possibly working on the language further in Judiciary or tabling it. The committee then took up House Bill 15, the Medical Injury and Collaborative Resolution Act, described by the sponsor as New Mexico’s version of a candor law. The bill would create a protected adverse outcome conference process allowing patients and providers to discuss medical injuries or undesirable outcomes outside of court, with the goal of improving communication, giving patients answers, and reducing litigation. A family medicine doctor and a trial lawyer testified in support, saying patients often want explanations more than money and that open conversations can sometimes resolve disputes early. Public commenters also supported the concept, though one noted concerns about how pro se litigants would fit into the process. Committee questions focused on how the bill would define injury, how confidentiality would be enforced, whether statements could be used in court, who would pay for the process, and how it would interact with existing malpractice procedures. The sponsors said the conference would be voluntary, not require an apology, and would be protected by evidentiary rules; if protected statements were introduced at trial, they said remedies such as mistrial could apply. The discussion continued into procedural details, but no final action on HB 15 appears in the provided portion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It the Senate passed and went to the governor for a signature. It was Senate File 1075.
• It was Senate governor for a signature. It was Senate File<00:09:50.959><c> 1075.
• That's something over 1,500 watts of electric motor power.
• </c><00:13:37.279><c> That's</c> electric motor power. That's electric motor power.
• And I don't agree with what the governor proposed there.

Bills: HF3694 , HF3844 , HF4006 , HF3785 , HF3849 , HF4102 , HF3441 , HF3507 , HF3562

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to thank Senator Hinojosa for your powerful layout this morning.
• So I strongly believe that with education and awareness, social media is a wonderful and powerful tool
• Yet again and again, this body keeps creating more bills about preemption, about giving more power to
• Fear is a powerful motivator. Why are you afraid of me? What about my very existence triggers you?
• Should you not follow the blatant bigotry of Dan Patrick, Ken Paxton, Governor Abbott, Donald Trump?

Bills: HB186 , HB201 , HB229 , HB796 , HB1506 , HB2702 , HB2885 , HB3225 , HB3909 , HB4285 , HB5138

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 186, which would require social media platforms to verify users are 18 or older before allowing account creation. Invited witnesses in support, including Mary Elizabeth Castle and David Dunmoyer, argued the bill would protect children from harmful algorithms, addictive design, bullying, sexual exploitation, and mental health harms, and emphasized parental rights and the idea that minors should not enter binding contracts with platforms. Committee members questioned them about how algorithms work, whether parents could realistically monitor content, and whether the bill would still allow educational use; the witnesses said the bill was narrowly aimed at harmful social media use and not educational content. Public testimony on HB 186 was largely in opposition, though several student witnesses said they supported the bill’s goals but wanted the age lowered to 16 or the bill amended to allow parental consent or joint accounts. Opponents argued the bill would be ineffective because teens could bypass age checks, would cut off access to educational tools, school communications, recruiting and NIL opportunities, and would burden free speech and privacy. Some witnesses also said social media helps teens with mental health, community, and creative or professional opportunities, while others warned the bill could disproportionately harm disabled and marginalized users. After public testimony closed, HB 186 was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 5138, which Chairman Hughes said would respond to a court ruling limiting the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes unless invited by local prosecutors by changing the statute to require AG prosecution. Public testimony on HB 5138 was brief and opposed by at least one witness who argued it would further erode local control and expand state preemption. The bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3225, a library bill aimed at keeping sexually explicit books and materials out of children’s sections in municipal libraries and requiring age verification for checkout, including digital access, with parental consent and other revisions added in the House. Supporters said the bill would protect children from explicit material and keep such content in adult sections, while opponents argued it would amount to censorship, be costly and difficult to implement, and could be used to target LGBTQ+ or other marginalized content. Library workers, parents, students, and advocates testified that existing library sections already separate age-appropriate materials and that the bill could reduce access to books, burden libraries, and infringe on parental choice and free expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matt Powers with Acklic.
• Good morning, Madam Chair, members, Matt Powers with Acklic.
• And with the new insurance commissioner, a new governor, who knows what can happen.
• And again, in next year, when we're going to have a brand-new commissioner, a brand-new governor, that's

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 988, house, all