Transcript Highlights:

• In today's digital age, access to standardized data is crucial for efficiency, transparency, and ease
• This results in Texans having no access to healthy grocery store options, and perfectly suitable land
• Under the bill, a newly established grocery store or healthy corner store would only qualify for the
• Every meal should be healthy, and we want to make sure that... all of our Texans are able to access.
• What I mean by that is that Korean and Vietnam veterans are aging out. then there'll be less and less

Bills: HB485, HB1367, HB1370, HB1827, HB1879, HB2032, HB2133, HB2357, HB3581, HB3830, HB4060, HB4085, HB4270, HB4979, HB5217, HB5268, HB5478, HJR96, HJR97, HJR119, HJR195, HJR209, SB4, SB23, SJR2, SJR85, SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to look down here since my eyes are failing me right now at age 46.
• And it really talks about, look, if we could just focus on no-smoking, movement, healthy food, social
• Honeycutt is really committed to that “Make North Dakota Healthy Again” pillar, which involves those
• attributes: walking, healthy food.
• We have been briefing the governor on this, and he wants to go big with healthy whole food.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• At my age, it's great to be anywhere. Shall we bow and pray?
• The life expectancy is only age 5. In the United States, it's age 70.
• The life expectancy is only age 5. In the United States, it's age 70.
• The life expectancy is only age 5. In the United States, it's age 70.
• The life expectancy is only age 5. In the United States, it's age 70.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, community leaders, food bank representatives, and visitors connected to Hunger Free West Virginia Day. A resolution recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber also heard remarks highlighting Hunger Free West Virginia’s work and a West Virginia company, Unigen, developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state. The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces, Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, and Senate Bill 781, a supplemental appropriation measure that was also made effective from passage. The chamber then adopted and passed Senate Bill 844, a large supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both effective from passage. Other third-reading bills passed included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expansion of sex-offender registration to include solicitation of a minor and non-consensual disclosure of private images; child safety reporting requirements for school personnel; age-verification requirements for websites hosting harmful sexual material; free Gold Star parent vehicle registration; online training and updated standards for sanitarians; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; nutrition continuing education for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud offenses; protections for athletic officials; in-year school personnel movement; administrative services powers; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; vape shop regulation; reduced parole supervision fees; disability service credit for certain troopers; property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. The Senate also advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on second reading, including supplemental appropriations and measures on mental health examinations, dog registration rules, juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, a statewide prevention plan, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment levy treatment, and Commerce Department rules for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. Several committee amendments were adopted, and many bills were advanced to third reading without objection. No executive communications were reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 1 expands, in particular, the age range up to age 64 for individuals who are now subject to those
• Our homeless population is aging, with older adults now recognized as the fastest-growing age group among
• I'm Yasmin Pellet with Justice in Aging.
• Additionally, enrollees age 65 and older are exempt from Additionally, enrollees age 65 and older are
• So the area agencies on aging, your argument is you, you So the area agencies on aging, your argument

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impact of H.R. 1 on older Californians and related county administration issues. Chair Jackson and Chair Addis opened by emphasizing California’s rapidly aging population and the need to protect seniors’ access to food, health care, housing, and in-home support services. Testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Department of Aging described how H.R. 1 would expand work and reporting requirements in CalFresh and Medi-Cal, increase redeterminations, and create new eligibility barriers. Witnesses and advocates warned that these changes could lead to large coverage losses, especially for adults ages 55 to 64, people experiencing homelessness, caregivers, and some immigrant groups, while also increasing administrative burden on counties. The LAO noted that many provisions do not directly apply to Californians 65 and older, but highlighted indirect effects and some direct impacts, including a new home equity limit for certain long-term care recipients and narrower immigration eligibility rules. Committee members pressed the administration and counties on how exemptions would be identified and implemented, whether data systems could automatically protect eligible people, and how outreach would reach older adults, women, LGBTQ seniors, and people with limited digital access. DHCS and CDSS said they are working to use existing data, cross-program information sharing, and human-centered communications to maximize exemptions and reduce churn, including text outreach, print and radio campaigns, and navigator support. Members also raised concerns about the need for legal aid and county eligibility workers to help people navigate complex rules, and requested updated analyses on the number of people likely to lose both Medi-Cal and CalFresh and the broader human and system impacts. No votes were taken. The second major topic was the administration’s proposal to shift some future IHSS costs to counties by establishing a statewide baseline for average authorized hours per case. CDSS said the proposal is intended to improve consistency in assessments and not reduce services, while counties and labor groups strongly opposed it, arguing that rising hours reflect real increases in need, an aging and higher-acuity caseload, and state-mandated assessment tools rather than county error. County representatives said the proposal would strain already limited local revenues, worsen the effects of H.R. 1, and could force cuts to other safety-net services. Committee members questioned the proposal’s timing and impact, but the hearing ended without action, with the chairs asking for continued updates, additional analysis, and more information before May Revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, in an age of shifting values, help us to return to your design, where life can flourish.
• who played a vital role in working on AG who played a vital role in working on this<00:15:44.240><c>
• We have the second highest median age in the country because young people need to leave.
• We have the second highest median age in the country because young people need to leave.
• They may be aging out of Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled or aging out of Medicaid expansion

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if we didn’t...” “...out how you could tell the child’s age if we did anything?
• I’m a born and raised Washingtonian and the mother of three school-age children.
• Laws that impose age checks do not empower parents; they substitute government judgment.
• Platforms remove... ...and safety tools, content moderation, and age-appropriate features.
• And late-night push notifications are disabled by age group.

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee first held a work session on protecting children online. Testimony focused on a proposed Kids Online Protection Act that would limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included a former tech executive, a Meta whistleblower, and a psychology researcher, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, harms well-being, and that the bill gives parents and children more control without banning access to content. Industry and trade group witnesses opposed the approach, arguing it would violate the First Amendment, create privacy risks through age verification, and could reduce useful personalization and safety tools; they said companies are already implementing teen protections and parental controls. The committee did not take a vote during the work session. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, sponsored by Senators Warnick and Short at the request of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill would require property insurers using wildfire risk scores or models to disclose more information to consumers, explain adverse factors, provide appeal and rescoring processes, and account for mitigation actions in rate filings and discounts. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville Tribal representative, fire district testimony, climate advocates, realtors, hospitality businesses, and insurance agents generally supported the bill as a transparency and consumer-protection measure, with some urging inclusion of commercial lines and stronger recognition of local fire mitigation. Several insurance trade groups opposed or were neutral, warning that the bill goes too far, could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase regulation and costs, and should be narrowed to align with other states’ approaches. No vote was taken, and the chair adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> disease affecting school-aged children. disease affecting school-aged children.
• Some of these statewide tuitions start as early as age 55.
• So, tuitions start as early as age 55.
• Are key to healthy aging, benefiting us, our family members, our communities, and saving public and private
• </c> to continue learning well beyond the age to continue learning well beyond the age of<01:13:15.440

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the other, um, basic function of food as medicine is to have healthy inputs leading to healthy outcomes
• </c><00:09:41.120><c> inputs</c> as medicine is to have healthy inputs as medicine is to have healthy
• :09:43.120><c> for</c> leading to healthy outcomes for leading to healthy outcomes for Kuckians.<00:09
• </c><00:21:35.120><c> Kentucky</c> on the Make America Healthy Kentucky on the Make America Healthy Kentucky
• under the age of 45 in<00:27:17.360><c> our</c><00:27:17.600><c> state.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled several referred administrative regulations, including a package from the Board of Respiratory Care described as a substantive housekeeping update to its regulations and incorporated materials. There were no questions from members, and the committee also heard from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which was present in case questions arose but did not require action. Members then took up an amendment to the state health plan for facilities and services, specifically 900 KAR 5:02. Wesley Duke explained that a previously proposed criteria related to mega-voltage requirements, originally suggested by the Kentucky Hospital Association, was now being removed because the association no longer considered it necessary. The committee moved to accept the agency amendment, with a motion and second, and approved it without opposition. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, a “food is medicine” resolution sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. Supporters from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association described the initiative as a voluntary, statewide effort already adopted by 52 hospitals, aimed at improving patient health while supporting Kentucky farmers and local food systems. Members discussed access to healthy food, grocery-store availability, school nutrition, and the need to reduce barriers to local procurement; the resolution was adopted unanimously after a roll call vote, with one senator briefly explaining a late vote due to weather. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 12, which would allow mid-level practitioners to serve as the leader of a Level IV trauma center under physician direction. The sponsor and witnesses from Appalachian Regional Healthcare argued the change would help address rural trauma-care shortages, align with national standards, and improve access without changing scope of practice or other trauma-center requirements. Several members raised questions and comments about rural access, liability, costs, and the broader health impacts, but no vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, the young child tax credit is applicable to families with children under the age of
• six, but the cost of raising a child persists well past that age, as we know.
• The cost of raising a child persists well past that age, as we know.
• in the effort to expand the young child tax credit to families with children older than the current age
• It also increases them staying healthy and thriving in their communities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , college-age children up to 26 when living at home, disabled, handicapped adults.
• The child under 18 years of age, college-aged children up to 26 when living at home, disabled, handicapped
• My son, Ben, was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of six.
• All of us bear out-of-pocket expenses, and for all the talk that we're hearing recently about healthy
• But for young people in particular to grow, to be healthy, it's a wonder.

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can be reimbursed or you can earn points towards gift cards for living a healthy life.
• You can be reimbursed or you can earn points towards gift cards for living a healthy life.
• It's adjusted and aged, so it's essentially current data.
• And then the primary working age group of 25 to 54, and the 55 to 64 years age groups have been decreasing
• as the age 65-plus age group increases.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and want the pregnancy to have a healthy and want the pregnancy to have a healthy pregnancy<00:43
• babies, to be healthy moms.'
• babies, to be healthy moms.'
• babies, to be healthy moms.'
• babies to be needed to have healthy babies to be healthy<00:59:17.599><c> moms</c><00:59:18.599><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• hydroxy, and other derivatives, mandatory GMP standards of raw goods, lab testing, approved labels, age
• For people like me, natural kratom is a healthy and safe alternative.
• No, we should be saying, look, this stuff is not safe, it's not healthy.
• No, we should be saying, look, this stuff is not safe, it's not healthy.
• It's not healthy. And for young kids, it's really detrimental. So that's the creep I speak about.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee took up House Bill 864, which would classify kratom and related substances as Schedule I drugs. The bill’s sponsors, Representatives [name not fully captured in the transcript] and Aaron Bingham, argued that kratom is addictive and dangerous, citing reports from law enforcement, coroners, parents, and medical professionals about overdoses, deaths, withdrawal, and increasing use in Idaho. They also pointed to FDA warnings and materials suggesting kratom can cause opioid-like effects and that synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products are especially concerning. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of the bill included a drug and alcohol treatment provider, a county coroner, and a sheriff, who described rising kratom-related treatment admissions, deaths they attributed to kratom intoxication, youth access, and the difficulty of addressing the substance under current law. Opponents included retailers, consumers, a family physician, a toxicologist, and people with chronic pain, who argued that natural leaf kratom has helped many adults manage pain or reduce opioid use, that the real problem is synthetic or adulterated 7-OH products, and that a full ban would push use into the black market and create withdrawal problems for current users. Several witnesses urged a regulatory approach instead, such as age limits, labeling, testing, and restrictions on concentrated products. Committee members asked questions about the difference between natural leaf kratom and 7-OH, the scientific basis for the deaths discussed, and whether regulation could address the concerns without a total ban. Because many people had signed up to testify and time was limited, the chair stopped the hearing before all witnesses were heard and announced the committee would continue testimony the next day from 8 to 9 a.m. No vote on the bill was taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• When they have access to health care, then they are healthy, and when they are healthy, we have a healthy
• So I just wanted to bring out one more time: healthy Granite Staters, healthy workforce. treatment or
• </c> about the impact on the healthy about the impact on the healthy Workforce<04:02:59.960><c> the</
• granted Staters healthy Workforce and granted Staters healthy Workforce and people<04:03:12.199><c>
• </c> lowincome people who are working a age lowincome people who are working a age sounds<04:09:45.720

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of five and really in those that are under the age age of one, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised
• This shows the measles cases by age group. And what you can see is.
• to 17-year-old age range.
• one to four year age group as well as that infant age group of less than the age of one.
• We have Healthy Texas Women Program, which is...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Rob McKenna, former AG of Washington.
• This bill would set a minimum purchase age of 21 for kratom, which is currently available without age
• Establishing an age limit is critical.
• This bill would set a minimum purchase age of 21 for kratom, which is currently available without age
• Establishing an age limit is critical.

Bills: SB6346, SB6347, SB6147, SB6246, SB5940, SB5882, SB6223, SJR8206, SB5762, SB5828

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of the bill: An act exempting Nick Santos from the maximum age requirement for the position
• Third reading of the bill: An act exempting Anthony Morales from the maximum age requirement for the
• matters come before the Senate for their final passage: House No. 4718, an act relative to the maximum age
• the city of Newton; and House No. 2800, an act authorizing the town of Stoneham to waive the maximum age
• There's at times this kind of healthy constitutional friction, not constitutional crisis.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first took up several local bills and resolutions. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate No. 1831, providing line-of-duty death benefits for the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy of Rutland, and passed to be engrossed House bills concerning police officer age requirements in Haverhill, Newton, and Stoneham, including exemptions for named individuals and a local age-waiver measure. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and for the Italian Consulate in Boston on Italian National Day. The Senate then considered House No. 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in the Senate’s amendment and appointed conferees. On motion, the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also referred a House petition on a temporary liquor-license/public-consumption pilot to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology after suspending Joint Rule 12. A major floor debate centered on Senate No. 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide records in the clarified scope while preserving constitutional objections to broader requests; opponents argued the Senate should comply more fully and seek the court’s guidance earlier. After a roll call, the resolution was adopted 33-6. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of William F. “Bill” Howard of Beverly and adjourned until the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• House No. 4390, third reading of the bill: an act exempting Nick Santos from the maximum age requirement
• Third reading of the bill: an act to exempt Anthony Morales from the maximum age requirement for the
• matters come before the Senate for their final passage: House No. 4718, an act relative to the maximum age
• the city of Newton; and House No. 2800, an act authorizing the town of Stonem to waive the maximum age
• There's at times this kind of healthy constitutional friction—not constitutional crisis; we see that

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is the program where we provide food to seniors over the age of 60.
• It's a healthy balance. Healthy balance is right. Fair enough. Last question. MSIP.
• I guess it's been six or seven years ago now for the aging out of foster care.
• Sixty percent enter at age 18, but again, about 70% will enter at any time.
• Case management services that are provided for youth between ages of 18 and 21.

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation on LSU Health Care Services Division and Lallie Kemp Medical Center. Staff reviewed HCSD’s roughly $74.7 million budget, much of it tied to legacy obligations for former LSU hospital systems and support for Lallie Kemp. Committee members asked about prisoner care, risk management costs, declining admissions and emergency visits, and the hospital’s 340B drug program. Lallie Kemp officials explained that prisoner care serves multiple state and local facilities, that lower admissions largely reflect more patients being placed in observation status, and that the in-house 340B program provides major savings to patients and the prison system. Members also asked about care for unhoused patients and the hospital’s discharge practices, and the hospital said social services works to find placement when possible. The committee then moved to the Louisiana Department of Health budget, which was presented as just under $23.5 billion, with Medicaid making up more than 90 percent of the total. The presentation covered the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Medicaid. Major items included the new Rural Health Transformation Program, the transfer of several functions from DCFS to LDH under the One Door initiative, changes to SNAP administration, and large Medicaid adjustments driven by enrollment, utilization, and federal policy changes. Testimony also highlighted the statewide crisis hub and 988, the commodity food program for seniors, women’s health and maternal outcomes, and the department’s efforts to modernize technology and reorganize services. Members questioned LDH officials on a wide range of budget and policy issues, including the rural health grant, crisis services, Medicaid redeterminations, provider taxes, physician and hospital supplemental payments, nursing home rates, HCBS funding, and the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. LDH said the rural health grant would support workforce, technology, and care-delivery improvements; that the crisis hub and mobile crisis units are being expanded to improve access and reduce emergency room use; and that the department is working to keep the SNAP error rate below 6 percent to avoid a projected state cost increase. Officials also said they expect to return next year with additional funding requests for HCBS and other programs, while emphasizing that current budget changes are largely meant to realign funding with actual expenditures and new federal requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it high school age?
• Introducing age-inappropriate content at young ages can have profound consequences on their development
• Can you, did you say what their ages were, would you mind saying their ages at the time?
• I'm pretty sure I was under the age of 18.
• What you are saying is age-appropriate.

Bills: HB45, HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042

Keywords: flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money