Transcript Highlights:

• Starting in 2024, we were able to lease a hotel in Tacoma where we're housing about 350 residents, half
• Highlight a couple projects we really like in here: Washington Builds, creating finance authority to
• Washington builds, creating finance authority to qualified financial experts, agricultural equipment,
• Currently operating in an unheated garage with the lease that will soon end, this funding will be used
• The bill begins with property taxes levied for collection in 2027 and is not subject to tax preference

Summary: The committee first heard a briefing on the proposed Senate capital budget, Substitute Senate Bill 6003, which would spend about $723 million total using debt-limit bonds, Climate Commitment Act funds, and other cash resources. Staff described major investments in housing and homelessness, human services, local infrastructure, flood response, water conservation and clean energy, K-12 school modernization and seismic work, and higher education projects. Members then took public testimony from a wide range of advocates and project sponsors, most of whom urged the Senate to preserve or increase funding for specific projects in the final budget, including affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, child care facilities, food banks, behavioral health and substance use treatment centers, tribal courthouse relocation, school modernization, community colleges, university projects, floodplain restoration, community forests, and local civic or cultural facilities. Several witnesses also asked the Senate to match or approach House funding levels on items such as the Housing Trust Fund, permanent supportive housing, the Community Forest Program, Floodplains by Design, and CCA-supported clean energy and water projects. The chair noted that amendments to the capital budget were due the next day at noon. The committee then received a briefing on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251, which would restructure Climate Commitment Act accounts by repealing three existing accounts and replacing them with two new accounts: a CCA operating account and a CCA capital account. Staff explained that the bill would preserve most existing uses while changing revenue distribution formulas, capping Ecology administrative costs, expanding allowable uses for EV-related costs, housing, and carbon capture/sequestration, and changing reporting and tribal consultation provisions. The bill also shifts some reporting from annual to biannual and modifies the thresholds for tribal-supported and overburdened-community investments. The fiscal note was described as relatively small, with the main impact being the revised revenue allocation structure. Public testimony on the CCA bill was mixed. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, said the restructuring better aligns spending with the intent of the CCA and could improve investments for tribes and overburdened communities. Critics, including the Washington Policy Center, argued the bill still lacks strong requirements to ensure CCA spending is effective and objected to reducing the frequency of the state’s climate-spending report. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the author is aware of the amendment. Representative McMakin or Ms.
• Representative Johnson was asking if the author was opposed to it. Okay.
• Representative Johnson was asking if the author was opposed to it. Okay.
• Well, the author is gone and so is the chairman. Well, the author is gone and so is the chairman.
• And I have not talked to the author about this.

Bills: HB117 , HB228 , HB250 , HB260 , HB393 , HB400 , HB446 , HB534 , HB551 , HB576 , HB842

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: Department of State, statutory entities, re-creation, termination, Louisiana laws, Department of State Civil Service, Louisiana legislation, government re-creation, authority termination, financial disclosure, public servants, ethics, immediate family, transparency, legislators, transportation, foreign travel, cultural exchange, public service, HB393

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I am um um been serving the last few years as chairman of the Alabama Space Authority.
• So, I am um um been serving the last few years as chairman of the Alabama Space Authority.
• Bill 210, Senator Woods. as uh chairman of the Alabama Space as uh chairman of the Alabama Space Authority
• 33.279><c> we</c><00:11:33.600><c> just</c><00:11:33.760><c> had</c><00:11:34.000><c> different</c> Authority
• And I we just had different Authority.

Bills: HB66 , HB110 , HB114 , SB210 , SB228 , SB231 , HB66 , HB110 , HB114 , SB210 , SB228 , SB231

Committee: Senate State Governmental Affairs

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, HB110, sunset bill, Alabama Sunset Law, State Board of Medical Examiners, Medical Licensure Commission, medical licensing, physician regulation, healthcare regulation, professional licensing, ethics law, state ethics code, public servants, board members, agency continuation, sunset review

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the district lacks authority and structured procedures. ...to collaborate with the counties

Bills: SB612 , SB1855 , SB2568 , SB3058 , HB49

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any questions for the bill's author?
• Members, any questions for the bill author? All right, thank you.
• Members, any questions for the bill's authors?
• Members, any questions for the bill's author? Okay. Yes, Representative LaHood.
• Members, any questions for the bill author?

Bills: HB4922 , HB4713 , HB4256 , HB872 , HB1571 , HB4266 , HB4559 , SB251 , SB441 , SB1719

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: healthcare liability, emergency medical care, standard of proof, negligence, legal reforms, Texas General Arbitration Act, arbitration, binding arbitration, statute of limitations, limitations period, tolling, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 16.073, alternative dispute resolution, ADR, civil procedure, lawsuit filing, court jurisdiction, Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence, procedural law

Transcript Highlights:

• And Coast Guard authorizations to clarify that both pilot groups are fully authorized by the Coast Guard
• If you're not sure, recognize the author to close.
• doesn't have the authority to do this.
• For the work authorization, the same thing.
• Authority.

Bills: HB2007 , HB2863 , HB2921 , HB3331 , HB3332 , HJR144 , HB3514 , HB3528 , HB3720 , HB3751 , HB3859 , HB3947 , HB4148 , HB4346 , HB4880 , HB5603 , HB4337

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial signs, county approval, transportation code, regulations, road signage, vehicle title, revocation, hearing process, Transportation Code, county assessor-collector, confidentiality, personal information, local government, airport data, public records, vehicle regulation, transportation, steel industry, state fees, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• or "How has that tax levy increased?" We need that information to make informed decisions.
• We do have rulemaking authority, so we would outline what the expectations are via rulemaking authority
• I want to thank Representative Hull for authoring this bill to better support Texas families. ...and
• So this bill is going to authorize each individual county to opt in to an across-the-board ad valorem
• They can also have an additional... ...taxes levied forth like fuel taxes, so it makes that even more

Bills: HB 103 , HB 1256 , HB1587 , HB1632 , HB2027 , HB2525 , HJR88 , HJR138 , HB103

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: taxing unit, bond database, local government, transparency, civil penalty, education reform, funding allocation, school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, student achievement, tax exemption, water conservation, graywater systems, rainwater harvesting, ad valorem taxation, county commissioners, HB 1587, Texas sales tax holiday, back-to-school tax holiday, clothing tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Clerk, open the machine for co-authors. Members, vote on the machine for co-authors.
• Five co-authors. Next bill.
• Nine co-authors.
• The clerk will close the machine. 15 co-authors. Representative Jordan for a co-author.
• Members, vote on the machine for co-authors. Freiberg is a co-author.

Bills: HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , SCR24 , SCR36 , SCR39 , SB64 , SB107 , SB152 , SB185 , SB217 , SB232 , SB278 , SB290 , SB294 , SB320 , SB321 , SB419 , SB424 , SB436 , SB440 , SB468 , SB470 , SB476 , SB482 , SB489 , HCR32 , SCR11 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB679 , HB745 , HB749 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1193 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB256 , SB180 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB31 , HB225 , HB608 , HB664 , HB897 , HB977 , HB1003 , HB1160 , HB1180 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB181 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB772 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1189 , HB1234 , HB1240

Keywords: hunting dogs, field trials, working dogs, dog training, greyhound protection, Farm Bill, federal overreach, sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife management, conservation, rural communities, Louisiana hunting, hunting tradition, animal welfare, dog breeders, dog owners, outdoor recreation, Kathy Taylor, musical achievements

Transcript Highlights:

• Century Code has established a $4-an-acre cap for the maintenance levy.
• Today, boards can bond for a project at an amount up to six years of their maximum levy.
• So Century Code says you can bond up to six years of your maximum levy.
• Boards had always said, okay, our maximum levy is this, multiply it by six.
• And when those leases were signed, it's not really clear where the land was.

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Summary: The committee met in Fargo and approved the minutes from the March 31 meeting before hearing a series of informational presentations focused on North Dakota agriculture, water, and research. NDSU President David Cook opened with remarks about NDSU’s land-grant mission, emphasizing statewide service through research, teaching, and extension, and highlighting examples such as the Lilac Agriculture startup and the university’s role in applying research to real-world problems. He said he intends to spend time listening across the state to better understand local needs. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study projected significant potential for expanded irrigation acreage, especially in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau, and estimated major economic gains from irrigation, including higher farm returns and support for value-added agriculture. Members discussed water permits, surface water versus aquifers, infrastructure, drought resilience, and the role of legal drains in improving productivity and generating economic activity. The presenters also noted that the full report is available online. Dr. Greg Lardy followed with NDSU’s required interim report, outlining the university’s agricultural research and extension system, including the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, seven research-extension centers, and the economic importance of agriculture to the state. He highlighted recent research impacts such as new crop varieties, potato breeding successes, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, weather-network tools, and 4-H programming. He also described NDSU’s budget priorities: restoring the governor’s proposed 10% cuts, additional operating support, and deferred maintenance funding. Committee members asked about the new agricultural field lab, storage sheds, and NDSU’s partnership with Grand Farm. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor presenting water-related research, including data center cooling, water reuse, smart irrigation, and a feasibility study on co-locating data centers with greenhouse and aquaculture production. Members asked about water use, ownership, and whether the concepts were operational or still speculative. Finally, North Dakota AgTech presented its NSF-funded innovation engine work, describing startup commercialization, on-farm trials, workforce development, and partnerships with NDSU, UND, tribal colleges, and other land-grant institutions. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Question the author. Senator Hughes, do you yield? Of course. Of course I'll yield.
• Question of the author. Senator Creighton, do you...? Yes, Mr.
• To ask questions of the author. Of course. How are you?
• To ask the author some questions. Senator Middleton, do you yield? I do, thank you.
• This doesn't change any of the existing penalties that have been levied, right?

Bills: SB128 , SB203 , SB205 , SB317 , SB393 , SB397 , SB510 , SB582 , SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1073 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1163 , SB1250 , SB1285 , SB1310 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1723 , SB1782 , SB1835 , SB1861 , SB1897 , SB1903 , SB1950 , SB2043 , SB2063 , SB2082 , SB2133 , SB2137 , SB2260 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2334 , SB2344 , SB2403 , SB2446 , SB2522 , SB2532 , SB2549 , SB2566 , SB2600 , SB2619 , SB2637 , SB2655 , SB2688 , SB2717 , SB2785 , SB2790 , SB2794 , SB2841 , SB2847 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2919 , SB2943 , SB2972 , SB3047 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3057 , SB3059 , HJR1 , HB9 , HB26 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB334 , HB554 , HB913 , HB 1109 , HB 1151 , HB1899 , HB2081 , HB2809 , HB2890 , HB2970 , HB3012 , HB3307 , HB3809 , HB5092 , SB17 , SB314 , SB455 , SB509 , SB761 , SB963 , SB1023 , SB1968 , SB2122 , SB2371 , SB2420 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB2943 , SB510 , SB1835 , SB1950 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1285 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB3058 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB2847 , SB2619 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB2751 , SB2928 , SB1310 , SB2566 , SB2344 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB1361 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1782 , SB1705 , SB2696 , SB1944 , SB2215 , SB644 , SB1232 , SB2850 , HJR1 , HB 1109 , HB 1130 , HB1689 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB3012 , HB1327 , HB 109 , HB 1238 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , HB37 , HB1899 , HB3809 , HB334 , HB554 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB5092 , HB388 , HB2809 , HB 1151 , HB913 , HB3307 , HB879 , HB 116 , HB 12 , HB2703 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB30 , HB21 , HB2712 , HB2692 , HB1633 , HB1318 , HB685 , HB630 , HB4753 , HB2742 , HB303 , HB198 , HB1535 , HB762 , HB148 , HB1520 , HB5061 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB 1041 , HB132 , HB 11 , HCR7 , HCR75 , HCR86 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HCR126 , SB582 , SB1163 , SB2344 , SB2403 , SB2446 , SB2600 , SB2785 , SB3047 , HB334 , HB554 , HB 1109 , HB2081 , HB3809 , SB510 , SB1835 , SB1950 , SB2943 , SB1073 , SB1310 , SB2532 , SB2619 , SB2847 , SB2972 , SR509 , SR512 , SJR87 , SB3072 , SB3073 , HB49 , HB229 , HB361 , HB700 , HB796 , HB 1128 , HB1534 , HB1661 , HB1803 , HB1837 , HB1866 , HB2149 , HB2282 , HB2294 , HB2434 , HB2440 , HB2761 , HB2785 , HB2867 , HB3057 , HB3062 , HB3134 , HB3185 , HB3225 , HB3233 , HB3358 , HB3388 , HB3421 , HB3619 , HB3658 , HB3675 , HB3687 , HB3697 , HB3743 , HB3745 , HB3787 , HB3848 , HB3866 , HB3940 , HB3984 , HB4176 , HB4205 , HB4226 , HB4429 , HB4437 , HB4463 , HB4506 , HB4730 , HB4735 , HB4752 , HB4813 , HB4903 , HB4904 , HB5033 , HB5057 , HB5129 , HB5137 , HB5138 , HB5149 , HB5153 , HB5155 , HB5195 , HB5196 , HB5200 , HB5224 , HB5294 , HB5339 , HB5394 , HCR108 , SJR87 , SB3072 , SB3073 , HB49 , HB229 , HB361 , HB700 , HB796 , HB 1128 , HB1534 , HB1661 , HB1803 , HB1837 , HB1866 , HB2149 , HB2282 , HB2294 , HB2434 , HB2440 , HB2761 , HB2785 , HB2867 , HB3057 , HB3062 , HB3134 , HB3185 , HB3225 , HB3233 , HB3358 , HB3388 , HB3421 , HB3619 , HB3658 , HB3675 , HB3687 , HB3697 , HB3743 , HB3745 , HB3787 , HB3848 , HB3866 , HB3940 , HB3984 , HB4176 , HB4205 , HB4226 , HB4429 , HB4437 , HB4463 , HB4506 , HB4730 , HB4735 , HB4752 , HB4813 , HB4903 , HB4904 , HB5033 , HB5057 , HB5129 , HB5137 , HB5138 , HB5149 , HB5153 , HB5155 , HB5195 , HB5196 , HB5200 , HB5224 , HB5294 , HB5339 , HB5394 , HCR108

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is counties have the right to opt out of multiple levies, which would just make all of our work
• demands on those services as your community is growing, and I agree that they can go back for tax levy
• Hancock states that in a year that you pass a levy, so if you went to the voters and said, we want a
• four-cent increase in our levy, but assessments came in at 25% higher, because you passed a levy that
• or not to charge the full amount on those levies.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• As they write, quote, it is the opposite result of what was expected when voters authorized Prop 301.
• expected when voters As they write, quote, it is the opposite result of what was expected when voters authorized

Bills: HB2035 , HB2041 , HB2611 , HB2860 , HB4004 , HB4049 , SCR1032

Committees: Senate Government , Senate Senate Government Committee of Reference

Keywords: kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health, child safety, oversight, independent committee, transparency, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation will then allow those school districts to bond against those levy collections so that
• While these levies may have been passed by the voters, they were not passed as bonds.
• They were passed as levies.
• And I’m concerned about giving more authority for indebtedness. Once For indebtedness.
• when they ask the voters to approve the levy, that they should request approval for it to be bonded

Bills: HB1175 , HB1376 , HB1500 , HB1796

Keywords: HB1175, small business, residential zoning, land use, zoning reform, neighborhood store, neighborhood cafe, convenience store, minimarket, corner store, mixed-use, local government, city zoning, town zoning, code city, parking regulations, hours of operation, alcohol service, food requirement, commercial use in residential areas

Bills: HB1175 , HB1376 , HB1500 , HB1796

Keywords: HB1175, small business, residential zoning, land use, zoning reform, neighborhood store, neighborhood cafe, convenience store, minimarket, corner store, mixed-use, local government, city zoning, town zoning, code city, parking regulations, hours of operation, alcohol service, food requirement, commercial use in residential areas

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Public Pensions Authority. Public Pensions Authority.
• Safety and authorizes up to 2 million Safety and authorizes up to 2 million each<00:29:55.520><c> year
• This language authorizes funds to be used from the Local Correctional Facilities Authority by DOC, and
• ,</c> expansion, the procurity authorment, expansion, the procurity authorment, this this this sorry,
• authority, this sorry, procurement authority, this allows<01:19:14.400><c> the</c><01:19:14.840><c>

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 112 of your amendment, it says local ordinances and restrictions authorized under Florida Statute
• Applies to surtax levies after July 1, 2025.
• It's requiring municipalities to negotiate lease terms with school districts and prohibits the removal
• It's requiring municipalities to negotiate lease terms with school districts and prohibits the removal
• And I think that it's pretty serious, the fines that can be levied against the nursing director.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into special order and returning messages. Early floor action included passage of HB 6503 (relief for Mandy Penny Lamon by Sarasota County), HB 1123 (sewer collection systems), HB 211 (farm products), and a joint resolution on ad valorem tax exemption for agricultural tangible personal property, all approved without opposition. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the chamber recessed and later returned to messages from the House. The Senate then took up a series of House amendments and conference-style motions on major bills. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response was amended and concurred in after debate over hurricane recovery, local government moratoriums, evacuation timing in the Keys, and property tax and redevelopment provisions; it passed 34-1. CS/HB 1609 on waste incineration and auxiliary containers was heavily debated over plastic and polystyrene preemption, local beach and park regulations, and landfill/incinerator provisions, then passed 26-10. CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiatives was amended to allow volunteers to carry up to 25 petitions without registration/training and passed 28-9. The Senate also refused to concur in a House amendment to SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, and in SB 116 on veterans, seeking to restore funding for veteran suicide prevention. Later, the chamber approved or advanced several education and health-related bills. CS/HB 1255 on education was amended and passed, with changes to school readiness and other education provisions. CS/HB 875 on educator preparation passed after discussion of cognitive science, classroom management, teacher excellence programs, and the phaseout of the general knowledge test. CS/HB 1105, a large education package, passed after debate over charter school conversions, cell phone restrictions, and other school governance changes. In health care, CS/HB 1427 was introduced as a comprehensive package combining multiple health-related provisions, though the excerpt ends before final action on that bill. Throughout the day, the Senate also concurred or refused to concur in various House amendments on mental health, financial institutions, land development, brownfields, and out-of-network provider legislation, with votes generally recorded and several measures passing on divided but mostly favorable roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a lot of authority there.
• So we have a lot of authority there.
• That lease agreement—I want to look at my notes to make sure I'm getting it right—the lease is about
• So the lease is about $1,200-ish per machine.
• Ashley Fritz, Jamie Balson, Dan Levy, and Sean Reeve. And what's this? 2825?

Summary: The committee first approved prior minutes and announced several bills were being held at sponsors’ request, including HB 4117 and several House concurrent resolutions. It then heard HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly hindering a lawful arrest by a third party and make it a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney’s office representative, argued it would close a loophole and protect officers during arrests; opponents from criminal defense and civil liberties groups said it duplicated existing resisting arrest and hindering prosecution laws and could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police. After debate over prosecutorial discretion and constitutional concerns, the committee recommended HB 2811 do pass by a 3-2 vote with one member not voting. The committee next considered HB 2665, a “Cade’s Law” proposal to treat intentionally providing advice or encouragement through directed online communication to a minor to die by suicide as manslaughter. The sponsor and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to social media-driven encouragement of self-harm and urged stronger accountability. The bill drew no opposition testimony in the excerpt and passed with a 6-0 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then heard HB 2857, allowing ADCRR to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, which passed 5-1 after testimony from the department’s medical provider about space and efficiency. HB 2226 followed, requiring courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans with Arizona Department of Veterans Services and treatment or diversion options; an amendment shifted the notice duty from prosecutors to courts. The sponsor and veterans’ advocates said the bill would help identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and reduce recidivism, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill unanimously, 6-0. The committee then took up HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance abatement action in superior court. The sponsor argued the AG had overreached in cases involving a dairy, an aluminum plant, and a rail line, while opponents said the bill would weaken statewide enforcement and protect corporate polluters; the bill passed 3-2 with two not voting. Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters framed it as protecting children and ensuring offenders serve full probation terms, while survivors, defense attorneys, and the Sex Offender Management Board’s concerns were cited in opposition, with critics warning about loss of judicial discretion, constitutional issues, and reduced incentives for compliance. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The last item in the excerpt was HCR 2001, a voter referral measure to end early voting on the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and prohibit foreign contributions; an amendment removed the early-voting cutoff and some ID-related provisions while adding on-site tabulation language and other changes. The sponsor argued it would improve election security and speed results, while counties and other opponents raised cost, implementation, and access concerns, especially around on-site tabulation and mail voting. The testimony portion of HCR 2001 was underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also raises the maximum fine that a court can levy without a jury trial to $1,000.
• The ultimate decision-making authority remains vested with the circuit court.
• They have a little bit more discretion at the beginning of the case, including authorizing emergency
• The bill authorizes, but does not require, multi-circuit commissioner regions.
• And then we have to talk about start-up costs and leasing space.

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 4893, which would increase penalties for contempt of magistrate court and raise the maximum fine a court may impose without a jury trial. Counsel explained that the bill would raise fines for first, second, and third offenses, add community service, and allow weekend jail or work release for a third offense. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and adopted a title amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 5684, a pilot program creating child protection commissioners to help handle abuse and neglect cases. Counsel and the sponsor described the proposal as a way to reduce circuit court backlog, improve the frequency and consistency of hearings, and provide more focused attention to children and families while leaving final decision-making authority with circuit judges. Supporters cited the heavy caseloads, shortages of guardians ad litem, and a Texas model that reportedly improved efficiency; one senator criticized the bill as adding bureaucracy, while others said the system needs a new approach. Members discussed funding through a companion bill tied to the medical cannabis fund, with an initial startup amount and ongoing annual support. Several senators raised concerns about the lack of a sunset date and the need for measurable outcomes. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the Supreme Court’s Administrative Director to identify measurable outcomes, establish a pre-implementation baseline, and provide annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, including costs and projected costs. House Bill 5684, as amended, was then reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• That authority lies with the taxing authority, not the appraisal district.
• , and all the co-authors.
• Members, this amendment is simply reinforcing and safeguarding the authority of a regulatory authority
• Members, this amendment is simply reinforcing and safeguarding the authority of a regulatory authority
• This bill authorizes defense-based authorities to employ their own licensed peace officers.

Bills: HB1500 , HJR7 , HJR112 , HB34 , HB133 , HB 112 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB132 , HB2756 , HB166 , HB406 , HB186 , HB271 , HB331 , HB380 , HB1583 , HB1584 , HB1819 , HB621 , HB303 , HB552 , HB366 , HB463 , HB 1211 , HB1327 , HB1461 , HB923 , HB1760 , HB2043 , HB2467 , HB5333 , HB5265 , HB1592 , HB1576 , HB1552 , HB2018 , HB3511 , HB1781 , HB2013 , HB2340 , HB2349 , HB2508 , HB2970 , HB2520 , HB865 , HB2851 , HB3385 , HB3336 , HB3529 , HB3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB1397 , HB4236 , HB1804 , HB1926 , HB4041 , HB1965 , HB1964 , HB2679 , HB2730 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HCR77 , HB3354 , HB163 , HB201 , HB272 , HB333 , HB405 , HB519 , HB569 , HB654 , HB694 , HB791 , HB 1006 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB1437 , HB1532 , HB1675 , HB1842 , HB1868 , HB1888 , HB1894 , HB1943 , HB1990 , HB2029 , HB2061 , HB2286 , HB2523 , HB2622 , HB2626 , HB2652 , HB2692 , HB2842 , HB2885 , HB2914 , HB3016 , HB3096 , HB3129 , HB3248 , HB3251 , HB3255 , HB3479 , HB3611 , HB3623 , HB3701 , HB3724 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB3810 , HB3816 , HB3832 , HB3887 , HB4127 , HB4129 , HB4130 , HB4131 , HB4163 , HB4187 , HB4229 , HB4238 , HB4454 , HB4588 , HB4643 , HB4736 , HB4738 , HB4739 , HB4945 , HB5015 , HB5616 , SB767 , SB1619 , SB1738 , HJR5 , HJR2 , HB1399 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB1445 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2558 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB33 , HB144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB148 , HB3809 , HB2217 , HB220 , HB2421 , HB2363 , HB421 , HB2455 , HB3711 , HB2559 , HB2775 , HB3126 , HB3666 , HB3595 , HB3260 , HB3376 , HB3826 , HB3770 , HB1831 , HB2614 , HB3113 , HB322 , HB431 , HB869 , HB 1203 , HB 1244 , HB1875 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2341 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , SB1415 , SB1058 , SB487 , SB1499 , SB513 , SB1697 , SB1197 , SB1437 , SB1809 , SB836 , SB1879 , SB1145 , SB963 , SB1038 , SB1147 , SB914 , SB711 , SB1409 , HB3707 , HB589 , HB1360 , HB2337 , HB2391 , HB718 , HB23 , HB2436 , HB1500 , HJR7 , HJR112 , HB34 , HB133 , HB 112 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB132 , HB2756 , HB166 , HB406 , HB186 , HB271 , HB331 , HB380 , HB1583 , HB1584 , HB1819 , HB621 , HB303 , HB552 , HB366 , HB463 , HB 1211 , HB1327 , HB1461 , HB923 , HB1760 , HB2043 , HB2467 , HB5333 , HB5265 , HB1592 , HB1576 , HB1552 , HB2018 , HB3511 , HB1781 , HB2013 , HB2340 , HB2349 , HB2508 , HB2970 , HB2520 , HB865 , HB2851 , HB3385 , HB3336 , HB3529 , HB3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB1397 , HB4236 , HB1804 , HB1926 , HB4041 , HB1965 , HB1964 , HB2679 , HB2730 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HB3354 , HB163 , HB201 , HB272 , HB333 , HB405 , HB519 , HB569 , HB654 , HB694 , HB791 , HB 1006 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB1437 , HB1532 , HB1675 , HB1842 , HB1868 , HB1888 , HB1894 , HB1943 , HB1990 , HB2029 , HB2061 , HB2286 , HB2523 , HB2622 , HB2626 , HB2652 , HB2692 , HB2842 , HB2885 , HB2914 , HB3016 , HB3096 , HB3129 , HB3248 , HB3251 , HB3255 , HB3479 , HB3611 , HB3623 , HB3701 , HB3724 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB3810 , HB3816 , HB3832 , HB3887 , HB4127 , HB4129 , HB4130 , HB4131 , HB4163 , HB4187 , HB4229 , HB4238 , HB4454 , HB4588 , HB4643 , HB4736 , HB4738 , HB4739 , HB4945 , HB5015 , HB5616 , SB767 , SB1619 , SB1738 , HCR77

Keywords: Information Resources, Department governance, cybersecurity, state assistance, procurement training, technology resources, advisory committees, water fund, Texas water supply, constitutional amendment, state revenue, infrastructure, parental rights, child upbringing, government interference, Texas legislation, science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration

Transcript Highlights:

• Regional Mobility Authority by local law.
• I believe that's acceptable to the author. Mr.
• Will the author carry for a question?
• So I understand what the bill's author is trying to do. Mr.
• I hope the bill author is listening right now.

Bills: HJR144 , HJR218 , HB40 , HB 101 , HB 112 , HB146 , HB168 , HB214 , HB413 , HB1523 , HB493 , HB521 , HB594 , HB557 , HB305 , HB549 , HB854 , HB 1057 , HB 1052 , HB842 , HB3174 , HB3311 , HB2486 , HB3196 , HB824 , HB 1039 , HB2529 , HB2713 , HB4936 , HB4995 , HB4830 , HB4864 , HB5219 , HB5263 , HB5154 , HB2674 , HB5525 , HB5623 , HB2545 , HB2587 , HB2625 , HB5520 , HB5436 , HB4926 , HB1573 , HB5165 , HB4811 , HB5081 , HB4755 , HB3179 , HB4310 , HB4611 , HB2159 , HB4626 , HB3637 , HB3153 , HB3066 , HB2786 , HB2966 , HB638 , HB640 , HB876 , HB497 , HB5539 , HB4809 , HB5308 , HB4687 , HB4070 , HB4421 , HB4412 , HB3284 , HB3369 , HB3420 , HB3449 , HB4098 , HB4281 , HB4120 , HB4504 , HB4370 , HB 1106 , HB2370 , HB2404 , HB3863 , HB2407 , HB2253 , HB2273 , HB2040 , HB1586 , HB3788 , HB3993 , HB4690 , HB4309 , HB4696 , HB2308 , HB 1142 , HB1533 , HB1621 , HB2242 , HB2012 , HB2193 , HB2442 , HB2464 , HB2348 , HB2313 , HB2289 , HB1942 , HB2011 , HB1629 , HB2993 , HB3592 , HB3824 , HB4076 , HB4535 , HB4623 , HB4773 , HB 1091 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HCR118 , HB 1233 , HB2239 , HB2379 , HB2863 , HB3368 , HB3787 , HB3815 , HB3898 , HB4023 , HB4285 , HB4329 , HB4331 , HB4429 , HB4646 , HB4904 , HB5200 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5662 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , HCR108

Keywords: regional mobility, transportation authority, local law, constitutional amendment, public projects, Texas energy fund, energy efficiency, retail electric customers, electric generating facilities, business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, Texas State Guard, task force, professionalization, state missions, critical infrastructure, science park district