Transcript Highlights:

• :40.880> ending<00:09:41.120> in applications in November ending in applications in November
• > we<00:50:43.440> are getting nuclear applications, we are getting nuclear applications,
• denied a couple of those applications denied a couple of those applications because<00:57:56.800
• <01:01:34.080> So, evaluating the tariff. So, evaluating the tariff.
• that could [snorts] be an application. that could [snorts] be an application.

Bills: SB8

Keywords: utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, The first couple minutes of the livestream was cut off. This recording restored the beginning of the meeting Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51 Approval of Minutes 00:02:07 Legislator Comments 00:02:18 LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19 PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18 WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's not a medical school in the country that doesn't receive the most applicants from the states
• for proposals or applications.
• The next step, after we award those contracts, will be monitoring and evaluating, and then continuing
• that loop with the needs assessment and evaluation.
• We have the application ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions throughout the winter.
• All other requirements of applications are still in place, including mitigation.
• And I highlight this as well: we do continue to evaluate applications, including this week, and provide
• technical ...while we do continue to evaluate applications, including this week, and provide technical
• As Ria alluded to, we have heard from applicants, both in the form of applications and inquiries, interested

Summary: The committee heard first from Deputy State Climatologist Karen Bumbacco, who reviewed the weather and snowpack conditions that contributed to Washington’s 2025 drought. She said the state had a very warm and dry water year, with April through September ranking among the warmest and driest periods on record, and that three straight years of below-normal snowpack and precipitation had compounded drought impacts, especially in the Yakima Basin. She also explained that a weak La Niña could bring a wetter-than-normal winter, though temperature forecasts were less certain, and noted that long-term climate projections point to continued snowpack decline and earlier runoff timing. Department of Ecology staff Rea Burns and Caroline Melor then described the state’s drought declaration process and response. They said Washington’s statutory drought threshold is less than 75% of normal water supply plus a hardship finding, and that Ecology extended the Yakima drought declaration in April and expanded it statewide in June. They discussed reliance on federal monitoring data and staffing at NRCS, USGS, Reclamation, and NOAA, and said federal staffing and funding instability has created concerns for snowpack and water data. They also reviewed drought response funding, noting that grants have supported projects in the Yakima and Dungeness basins and that the drought emergency account still has a balance available for current needs. Burns gave a detailed update on the Yakima Basin, saying it experienced unprecedented conditions this year, including nearly empty reservoirs, curtailment orders sent to about 1,500 water users, and the first time even the most senior 1855 surface water rights were turned off. She said widespread compliance occurred, though the process exposed areas for improvement, especially coordination with federal partners. Committee members asked about the long-term basis for climate projections, the 75% drought threshold, federal impacts, drought insurance, reservoir storage, and whether the state should consider more drought funding or new storage projects. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• With long-term care applications, it's from the date of application signed that we have to go back to
• their application there and sign it sign their application<01:42:13.360> that<01:42:13.600>
• people um complete applications. people um complete applications.
• that go with uh Medicaid application that go with uh Medicaid application delays.<01:54:52.480><
• respect to these uh medical evaluations. respect to these uh medical evaluations.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Retention Committee to {quote} evaluate Retention Committee to {quote} evaluate judicial<00:20:58.280
• :21:26.280> judge information to evaluate a judge information to evaluate a judge including<00
• > comments<00:26:47.480> from The evaluation scores and comments from The evaluation scores
• 49.120> having applicant self-disclosed about having applicant self-disclosed about having ADHD
• No applicable, the Senate rules apply.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What I want us to say is that, to make it clear that as DEES is evaluating permit applications, DEES
• evaluation that we were asked to do, we're also asked to determine whether the application advances
• dees as it's considering applications. dees as it's considering applications.
• And that was in my applicant.
• Representative Scully and then— be borne by the applicant. So that's be borne by the applicant.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We received 111 applications.
• applicants that we have.
• So, we received four applications totaling 10 million.
• application with enhanced... ...requirements to better support that application.
• We have a few applications in for teacher housing currently.

Transcript Highlights:

• or perhaps just evaluate as it relates to goals and outcomes.
• And as I said earlier, there will be some evaluation done of those efforts over the next 3 years.
• Um, we, we started this work as far as sort of evaluation last year.
• And because of that, we're not always able to make good decisions or evaluate programs.
• Sustainability plans and program evaluation measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• As an update, HCA will have to submit their application by November 5th.
• For the application.
• With data, there's always discrepancies and things that have to be evaluated.
• planned clinical outcomes. bookmarks for the way we would evaluate planned clinical outcomes.
• When we evaluated it, we had a lot of people tell us that they changed their practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pratt, can you remind me if I recall we were expecting to pay out about $750 per applicant?
• applications from being inappropriately paid.
• and determined whether or not those applications were in fact fraudulent.
• Some of them were not; we were able to verify that they were not fraudulent applications.
• able to identify only 140 applications able to identify only 140 applications with<01:13:24.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met under a new Senate power-sharing arrangement with co-chairs, began with member and staff introductions, and then received a jurisdiction overview from Senate counsel. The overview explained that the Labor Committee’s jurisdiction has not changed from the previous biennium and covers fair labor standards, minimum wage, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, and related agencies and boards such as the Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Mediation Services, PERB, and the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. It also noted that some topics, including paid leave, fall under other committees, while earned sick and safe time remains within Labor and Industry jurisdiction. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach and Josiah Moore then gave a detailed Department of Labor and Industry presentation. They reviewed the department’s funding sources, emphasizing that workers’ compensation funds and construction codes/licensing revenues make up most of the budget, while the general fund is a small share. They described the department’s major divisions, including workers’ compensation, construction codes and licensing, labor standards, nursing home workforce standards, and OSHA consultation and compliance, and highlighted practical examples of their work. Examples included return-to-work assistance for an injured worker, compliance training that reduced penalties for self-insurers and claim administrators, and use of the Special Compensation Fund when an employer lacked workers’ compensation insurance. The labor standards section highlighted enforcement actions involving unpaid overtime, pregnancy and parental leave retaliation, wage deductions, and child labor violations, along with totals for 2024 collections and inquiries. The presentation also noted the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s adopted rules, the expansion of construction licensing exams statewide, and OSHA consultation programs such as Min-SHARP and MINSTAR, including a Minnesota employer that recently achieved MINSTAR status. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and having a disparate application on only a part of the fleet.
• and having a disparate application on only a part of the fleet.
• Is there anything in the bill that ERCOT does not evaluate? In Senator Hall's bill? Correct.
• We do not evaluate those types of services—health care, financial services.
• That is outside the grid for ERCOT to evaluate those types of services. Okay, thank you. Thank you.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several bills without objection or by recorded vote, including SB 783, SB 1238, SB 1706, SB 1791, SB 458, SB 1644, and SB 1810, with some of them also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then moved into hearings on additional bills. SB 1968, by Senator Schwertner, would update the Real Estate License Act by repealing subagency, requiring written buyer-agent agreements before showings, and clarifying when a formal buyer representation agreement must be signed. Texas Realtors testified in support, saying the bill modernizes agency rules and increases transparency, while a committee substitute corrected drafting issues. SB 2411, the annual update to the Texas Business Organizations Code, was also laid out and left pending after supportive testimony from the Texas Business Law Foundation and drafting committee representatives. The committee also heard SB 2321, which would codify ERCOT’s current practice of notifying TCEQ when backup generation needs enforcement discretion for grid reliability; Sierra Club and a chamber of commerce witness supported it with suggestions for clearer emissions reporting, and the bill was left pending. SB 2077 would broaden eligibility for the Texas Mutual Insurance Company board by narrowing conflict restrictions tied to insurance-related interests; Texas Mutual supported the change and the bill was left pending. SB 1405, a broadband bill, would align state law with FCC standards and streamline Broadband Development Office processes; it was left pending after supportive testimony. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit donor privacy, drew support from privacy advocates and concerns from one witness about transparency for publicly funded nonprofit operations; it was left pending. The committee then heard SB 776, which would bar government construction contracts from shifting delay damages to contractors when delays are caused solely by the public owner. Contractors, surety representatives, and water infrastructure advocates supported the bill, arguing it would improve fairness and reduce inflated bids, while water utilities and critical infrastructure entities opposed it, warning of more litigation and higher costs; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 715, which would apply reliability requirements retroactively to all generation resources in ERCOT, drew opposition from renewable and storage groups and support from some critics of renewable subsidies, with witnesses split over whether it would improve reliability or raise costs; testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• attorney of long-term care facility residents be notified when residents submit a mail-in ballot application
• Senate Bill 760 relating to an application for a ballot to be voted by mail submitted by certain residents

Bills: SCR22, SB53, SB204, SB266, SB268, SB291, SB292, SB296, SB304, SB305, SB413, SB447, SB455, SB462, SB493, SB504, SB519, SB522, SB532, SB541, SB667, SB670, SB673, SB681, SB687, SB711, SB746, SB765, SB783, SB827, SB850, SB860, SB888, SB897, SB901, SB927, SB955, SB963, SB984, SB989, SB993, SB996, SB1023, SB1033, SB1058, SB1062, SB1101, SB1119, SB1172, SB1173, SB1215, SB1220, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1238, SB1239, SB1245, SB1248, SB1254, SB1259, SB1273, SB1277, SB1302, SB1332, SB1341, SB1346, SB1350, SB1352, SB1353, SB1355, SB1358, SB1370, SB1371, SB1378, SB1403, SB1404, SB1415, SB1437, SB1448, SB1450, SB1464, SB1493, SB1494, SB1537, SB1566, SB1569, SB1589, SB1598, SB1644, SB1709, SB1719, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1810, SB1841, SB1895, SB1930, SB2039, SB2289, SB2312, SCR1, SCR6, SCR27, SCR32, SB2232

Keywords: SCR 22, Senate Concurrent Resolution 22, official state gun, state symbol, cannon, artillery, Texas Revolution, Battle of Gonzales, Come and Take It, Alamo, San Jacinto, Twin Sisters, Sam Houston, Angelina Eberly, Texas history, historic weapon, commemorative resolution, state emblem, Texas heritage, Gonzales Memorial Museum

Transcript Highlights:

• laws, conduct inspections, evaluations, and investigations of state executive branch agencies, issue
• laws, conduct inspections, evaluations, and investigations of state executive branch agencies, issue
• laws, conduct inspections, evaluations, and investigations of state executive branch agencies, issue
• <00:03:58.280> laws,<00:03:59.440> conduct<00:03:59.960> inspections, applicable
• laws, conduct inspections, applicable laws, conduct inspections, evaluations,<00:04:01.840> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The initial RFP did not generate a sufficient number of qualified applications, and the decision was
• am pleased to say that the agency is currently in the third RFP phase, and I can report that the Evaluation
• They are also to submit their fees tied to the application and the background check.
• And lastly, it would allow applicants pursuing Native American Languages certification to demonstrate
• Next month, I'll bring forward an opportunity for you to do an evaluation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also talked with OSA about this so that the next time the request for applications comes out for
• Thank you for your partnership and transparency as it has related to this program evaluation.
• Today I'll present the program evaluation report.
• timeline, the data availability, the LFC evaluation team evaluated roughly the extent to which program
• Thank you for the opportunity to present this program evaluation report to your committee today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Development of new software applications Development of new software applications and<00:05:02.720
• , as well as psychiatric evaluation, as well as psychiatric evaluation, medication<01:49:10.800><
• runs into them from the IEA application runs into them from the IEA application for<02:16:27.280
• It's actually pre-evaluation. Yeah.
• It's actually pre-evaluation. >> correct. It's actually pre-evaluation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just that with an insanity evaluation...
• I do not do competency-to-be-executed evaluations.
• I didn't evaluate him.
• You said that you evaluate...
• Our problem is just trying to find the applicability.

Bills: HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• The application and evaluation process, um, as I mentioned, our partners are the ones that receive the
• If you see step four there, they begin to review and evaluate those applications.
• And then steps six through eight are where our team will be evaluating, processing, and ensuring applicants
• If you see step four there, they begin to review and evaluate those applications.
• And then steps six through eight are where our team will be evaluating, processing, and ensuring applicants

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on March 4, 2026, and focused almost entirely on an update and oversight discussion of the Promise Act, including its grant and loan programs. The chair opened by explaining that the committee wanted to better understand how the 2023 law was implemented, how funds are still being deployed in greater Minnesota and the metro, and whether adjustments made in 2024 and 2025 were working as intended. The minutes from March 3 were approved at the start of the meeting. Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon of DEED outlined the program’s legislative history, funding structure, eligibility rules, and oversight process. He said the grant side has about $94 million available, with $16 million going to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and $86 million to the Neighborhood Development Center, plus administrative and technical assistance set-asides. He noted legislative changes over time, including shifting the revenue eligibility test to the prior year, adding a home-office deduction requirement for businesses using a home address, and maintaining a preference for applicants who had not received more than $10,000 in prior state assistance. McKinnon said about $22 million had been awarded to 35 businesses at the time of the update, and that the loan program has $30 million appropriated, with about $9.5 million lent so far. He also described the application, verification, audit, and payment process, emphasizing that partners handle intake and DEED conducts final review and random audits. Shahir Ahmmed of the Neighborhood Development Center described the round-one and round-two grant process in more detail. He said NDC spent about nine months building the application platform, launched round one in June 2024, received more than 3,000 applications, and later paused awards while DEED and legislators clarified the law. He reported that 651 applications were approved in the first round for just under $9 million, and that round two launched in September 2025 with a goal of distributing up to $50 million in remaining grant funds. Ahmmed also explained the step-by-step applicant process, including email confirmation, eligibility screening, document upload, identity verification through Plaid, and final DEED review. He said applicants commonly use funds for payroll, equipment or inventory, rent, and utilities. The chair indicated there would be further testimony from other program partners and then member questions, but no votes or formal actions were taken on the Promise Act itself during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The district is responsible and obligated to do the evaluation.
• The evaluation applies equally.
• The evaluation applies equally.
• to say at the end of the evaluation.
• Students are evaluated like any other students.

Bills: SR44, HCR1027, SJR50, SJR52, SJR53, HB1185, HB1937, HB2035, HB2137, HB2166, HB3148, HB3323, HB3466, HB3498, HB3661, HB3678, HB3710, HB3977, HB3986, HB4104, HB4108, HB4142, HB4191, HB4274, HB4275, HB4322, HB4336, HB4484, HB3880, HB1687, HB3673, HB1170, HB2959, HB3718, HB3021, HB3443, HB3501, HB4143, HB4326, HB2992, HB3660, SB171, SB1325, SB1980, SB2045, HB4422, HB4423

Keywords: SR44, Senate Resolution 44, Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers, educators, Oklahoma educators, public schools, K-12 education, pre-K, school recognition, education resolution, appreciation week, National PTA, Eleanor Roosevelt, teacher recognition, school staff, classroom, Oklahoma Legislature, concurrent resolution, sine die adjournment

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered prayer, and recognized a doctor, a nurse, and a student hero who rescued a driver from a burning vehicle. The chamber also welcomed a new group of pages and adopted a motion to reject House amendments to Senate Bill 1546 and request conference. Senators then adopted Senate Resolution 44 recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week, and heard remarks honoring educators in the gallery. Senator Goodwin also announced the death of former Representative Don Ross and offered condolences to his family. The Senate then took up House Concurrent Resolution 1027, setting a target sine die date of May 14 at 5 p.m. The resolution drew opposition from Minority Leader Kurt and Senator Jett, who argued the chamber still had unfinished business, but it passed 28-17. The Senate also passed SJR 50, SJR 52, and SJR 53, all related to agency rules, including expanded provider types, removal of a physician-visit cap, and medical marijuana packaging requirements. Additional measures passed included HB 1185 on preserving military and historic firearms for honor guards and museums, HB 1937 on student-employee communications and due process, HB 2035 on funeral transportation protection agreements, HB 2137 on involuntary medication procedures for competency restoration, and HB 2166 on legal newspaper distribution without a USPS permit. Later, the Senate approved a series of bills on business, licensing, public safety, and state operations. These included HB 3148 on VIN inspections by dealers, HB 3323 on removing notarization for certain electronic Service Oklahoma documents, HB 3466 eliminating petty cash at the Corporation Commission, HB 3498 updating corporation and LLC statutes, HB 3661 extending a forestry equipment sales tax exemption, HB 3678 expanding the definition of public official for electronic harassment protections, HB 3710 revising the Rising Scholars Award Program, HB 3977 updating state veterinarian qualifications, HB 3986 expanding a tax exemption, HB 4104 strengthening penalties for repeat voyeurism-related offenses, HB 4108 adding airport operational areas to critical infrastructure, HB 4142 covering conspiracies to use bombs or explosive devices, HB 4274 allowing military children to attend non-zoned schools, HB 4275 allowing case managers and peer support specialists to work for local public agencies, HB 4322 removing dual certification for funeral directors in charge, HB 4336 updating interventional pain management rules, HB 4484 allowing certain state vehicles to be used between home and work, HB 3880 on Tourism Department compensation and Oklahoma Today publication discretion, and HB 1687 creating the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act with an amended effective date. The chamber also passed HB 2959 requiring school administrators to report abuse allegations to law enforcement within 24 hours and before school questioning, with emergency passage approved. HB 3718 was then taken up with an amendment clarifying timelines for special education evaluations tied to the Lindsay Nicole Henry Scholarship; discussion centered on the new 15-school-day meeting timeline and the 45-day evaluation period. The transcript ends during questions on that amendment, before final action on HB 3718 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It needs to be evaluated on a site-specific basis. Thank you for your testimony, Amy.
• It needs to be evaluated on a site-specific basis. Thank you for your testimony, Amy.
• f our first inter connection application f our first inter connection application with<01:09:57.320
• But we literally had our first interconnection application in 2021.
• Because the interconnection application date is well prior to the end service date.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all