Transcript Highlights:

• , vital resources to everyone in our state.
• , our wind, our geothermal power, our solar resources, resources that belong to us, the people.
• , our wind, our geothermal power, our solar, resources that belong to us, the people.
• will create. ...trying to muscle in on the other profits our resources will create.
• It's not efficient. And we have to create those public-private partnerships.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill a third time by title: State Affairs Committee; Governmental Affairs Subcommittee; Natural Resources
• It's because that's what efficient governments do.
• as amending their comprehensive plan or moving an urban boundary, they should be able to do it efficiently
• What resources will these universities have to cut when that funding disappears?
• What resources will these universities have to cut when that funding disappears?

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to help move forward a shared resources to help move forward a shared community<00:07:30.000><c> and
• We knew we needed<00:08:52.480><c> experts,</c><00:08:53.440><c> resources,</c><00:08:54.000><c> and<
• /c> needed experts, resources, and needed experts, resources, and capacities.<00:08:55.360><c> and</c
• to help them uh different resources to help them uh obtain<00:45:42.480><c> their</c><00:45:42.720><
• Um I always like to use the resources<00:47:06.480><c> that</c><00:47:06.720><c> we</c><00:47:06.880>

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that the Texas Commission on Jail Standards is here as a resource witness.
• I encourage the chairman to bring up our resource witness if possible. Thank you so much.
• I am here as a resource witness in order to answer any questions that you may have.
• So, in essence, House Bill 3394 is a government efficiency bill.
• be used to truly... ...resources that will be needed to enforce these measures.

Bills: HB240 , HB2097 , HB2731 , HB3087 , HB3234 , HB3319 , HB3394 , HB3687 , HB4105 , HB4205 , HB4350 , HB4462 , HB4642 , HB4801 , HB5403

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Summary: The subcommittee on county and regional government heard a long agenda of county-related bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097, by Rep. Martinez, would let counties that opt in use an independent hearing examiner instead of a civil service commission for certain deputy sheriff discipline appeals; the bill drew support from CLEET’s Robert Leonard, who said it would be fairer and faster, and it was left pending. HB 4642, by Rep. Gonzalez, would require counties that contract with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas jail-standard protections and oversight; Gonzalez, detainee Jess Hampton, his wife, Texas Jail Project’s Krish Kundu, and TCJS director Brandon Wood all discussed deaths and poor conditions in Louisiana facilities, staffing shortages, and the need for guardrails and data collection. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, by Rep. Capriglione, allowing peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face targeted threats and should have protections similar to judges; a title industry witness warned about preserving the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687, by Rep. Harless, would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet training and certification standards within set timeframes; Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen supported professionalization, and the bill was left pending. HB 4105 would let very large counties give a local-bid preference for construction and infrastructure contracts, and HB 4205 would require pay parity for similar law enforcement ranks within large counties; both were supported by Harris County officials and constables and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 5403, which would repeal a special rule limiting Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs’ control over commissary funds; the author said it would remove an outdated population bracket, and the bill was left pending. HB 4462 would require large counties to allow elected officials named in civil suits to seek outside counsel and have a role in settlement decisions; supporters argued county attorneys and commissioners court can have conflicts of interest, while questions focused on who qualifies and whether the bill could complicate settlements. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 240, by Rep. Swanson, would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively preventing tax action without all commissioners present and defaulting to the no-new-revenue rate if quorum is not met; urban counties opposed it as a potential budget obstruction, while supporters said it protects taxpayers and representation. That bill was also left pending. The transcript ends as the committee begins HB 3319, which would create a civil service system for constable department employees in large counties, but the discussion is cut off before testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:28:34.799><c> and</c><00:28:35.120><c> sustainable</c><00:28:35.840><c> regulated</c> efficient,
• Whatever state resources are available.
• </c><03:13:04.000><c> that</c> Minnesota with all of the resources that Minnesota with all of the resources
• The resources will have to come from somewhere.
• The resources will have to come from somewhere.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> American</c> resources that the working American resources that the working American families<04
• Without IDEA and federal resources, these students could end up in underfunded schools that lack resources
• </c><08:49:32.718><c> could</c> federal resources, these students could federal resources, these students
• And it doesn't waste federal resources.
• It it doesn't waste federal resources.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, the bill empowers efficiently.
• So we should be supporting with partnership and resources, not a takeover that still requires further
• So we should be supporting with partnership and resources, not a takeover that still requires further
• ,</c><00:57:05.040><c> the</c> Natural and Cultural Resources, the Natural and Cultural Resources, the
• They've also dedicated more resources to that department to improve the communication they have.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would just be much more efficient from the point of view of our counties.
• It ought to be a little more efficient.
• This would just be simply not efficient.
• . efficient. efficient.
• But you know, clarity is the efficient.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the more fuel efficiency, less gas is used.
• With the more fuel efficiency, less gas is used.
• With the more fuel efficiency, less gas is used.
• With the more fuel efficiency, less gas is used.
• Our vehicles have become more fuel efficient. With the more fuel efficiency, less gas is used.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the October 15 minutes and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the UPS Worldport plane crash. The main presentation was from Transportation Cabinet Commissioner Bobby Joe Lewis on the Local Assistance Road Program/County Priority Projects Program (LAARP/CPP), which was implemented under House Bill 546 and now requires rehabilitation projects to restore roads to original condition, cap funding at $500,000 per project, use a new scoring matrix, include a local match, and submit one photograph per 300 feet of project length. He reported that the 2026-2027 cycle ran from June 1 to October 1 and drew 1,215 project applications from 107 counties and 106 cities, with total submitted project costs of about $121.1 million and about $102.3 million requested after local match. He also said 30% of submissions scored 10s and 22% scored 9s, and that the list of requests and required photos had been submitted to the General Assembly and LRC. Members asked about how scores change over time, whether roads can move from lower scores to 10s, and whether the new process gives a better picture of local needs. Lewis said scores can change based on weather and road conditions, but the new system provides more information and a more standardized evaluation than before. Several members raised concerns about the volume and size of required photographs, suggesting drone footage or video as an alternative; Lewis said the photo requirement has caused confusion and large file uploads, and he was open to considering easier ways to document conditions. Members also discussed continuity in scoring across districts, and Lewis explained that district staff appointed by chief district engineers use a handbook and scoring matrix, with the scores entered into a computer system so evaluators do not see the final score while scoring. The committee also discussed funding levels and carry-forward balances for the program. Lewis said the program began with $20 million authorized in HR92, noted underruns from completed projects, and reported a carry-forward amount that had grown to $355,432.42 available for reauthorization as of October 13. In response to questions, he said the current process concentrates applications into a short window, with 63% of applications arriving in the last few days and 417 on October 1, which created a heavy workload but was completed on time. The meeting then moved to multimodal funding priorities, with Jennifer Kersner of Kentuckians for Better Transportation introducing herself and offering condolences for the UPS aviation incident before beginning her remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• "So the next phase of how we further improve efficiencies within the district would require the further
• the next phase of how we further So the next phase of how we further improve<01:15:44.040><c> efficiencies
• /c><01:15:44.760><c> within</c><01:15:45.040><c> the</c><01:15:45.160><c> district</c> improve efficiencies
• within the district improve efficiencies within the district uh<01:15:46.920><c> would</c><01:15:47.520
• Um... resources, the people resources, the people as<01:16:25.880><c> well</c><01:16:26.160><c> as</c

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:28 Approval of Minutes 0:00:40 Information Items 0:01:13 Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:26:46 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:30:53 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:39:20 Rpt from OFM – KIA 0:52:42 Econ Development – EDF Grants 0:55:15 OFM Debt Issues 0:58:43 Informational Discussion 1:44:36 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of minutes, and informational items on school district financing and KCTCS equipment purchases. It then considered two KCTCS capital projects after initially rolling them together and later unrolling them: a Fire Commission Fire Academy maintenance building project that had grown from an original $2 million authorization to $4.7 million because of design changes, soil issues, and higher mechanical costs, and a $1.5 million renovation of the Blake Lee building at Somerset Community College for a health science simulation lab. Members questioned the large cost increase on the fire academy project and the adequacy of front-end due diligence, while KCTCS said the project was bid and ready to proceed and that a 15% contingency had been included. Both projects were approved by roll call vote, with the Blake Lee project ultimately approved after the committee unrolled the items and took them separately. The committee next heard and approved a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for the Hamburg East Medical Office Building, a five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility with a not-to-exceed budget of $275 million. UK said the project is intended to expand outpatient access, consolidate some services, and support projected growth in patient volume; the building will house multiple specialties, urgent care, therapy, imaging, and a retail pharmacy. Members asked about possible community uses, consolidation of services, and whether the project would free up other space, and UK said it hopes to consolidate some services and free campus space. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved three UK lease renegotiations: a specialty pharmacy and infusion services lease at Wellington Way in Lexington, a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences lease at Conte Terrace, and a College of Social Work lease at McGrath Park Way. Members asked about rising lease rates, occupancy, and whether space needs should be reduced; UK and the lessor’s representative said the pharmacy space remains busy, the ophthalmology lease was lower than before, and the social work lease had been negotiated down from a higher request. The committee also approved a Department of Military Affairs project amendment for a Mutual Field Maintenance Shop Restoration project, increasing federal funding by $1 million to $4.5 million because of higher construction costs, and approved a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation project funded by bond and HBCU Title III funds. Finally, it approved a new lease for the Office of Mines and Minerals in Pike County, a new lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Pulaski County, and a lease renewal for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County after questions about rent increases and office utilization; the cabinet said the Kenton County space still has limited vacancy and remains in use by field staff. The meeting ended as the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority began presenting six sewer and water loans and six cleaner water program grant reallocations, with members agreeing to roll those items for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• "I just think it would be much simpler, much more of an efficient system if you guys went to the farmers
• This is regarding the Department of Education local resource food and plant-based options."
• The value of this is that it will provide a stock of bronchodilators and a resource for emergency situations
• 48:55.080><c> if</c><01:48:55.199><c> they</c><01:48:55.320><c> are</c><01:48:55.560><c> not</c> efficient
• and also um if they are not efficient and also um if they are not give<01:48:56.679><c> them</c><01:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard several Department of Education-related bills and received extensive testimony on school meals and veteran diplomas. HB 628 would restore authority for the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to veterans whose schooling was interrupted by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The superintendent testified in support, explaining the authority had sunset in 2020 and describing the measure as a way to recognize veterans. No opposition or questions were raised, and the bill was left without further action in the excerpt. The committee also heard HB 1074 and HB 110, both supported by the Department of Education and the School Facilities Authority. HB 1074 was described as a cleanup measure to clarify land-related language and make the statute more consistent across state agencies and DOE. HB 110 concerned benchmarking and the farm-to-school/local food effort; DOE and several supporters, including county councils, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, said the bill would help align metrics and support the 30% local food goal by 2030. Members questioned DOE about progress, and DOE said it was working on menus, procurement, and coordination with distributors and farmers. A Farm to School representative said the current bottleneck was poor communication with farmers and the need to bring them into planning earlier; DOE said it was still figuring out the process and that island-based procurement and separate RFPs were being explored. HB 328, relating to school meals and local resource food and plant-based options, drew the most testimony. DOE testified with comments, and the Attorney General’s office suggested revisions to clarify that the bill would apply to both DOE and charter schools, to separate public and private funds if donations or grants are accepted, and to add standards if nonprofit or private entities receive public money. Supporters included HSTA, the Hawaii Public Health Institute/Farm to School Network, Climate Protection Hawaii, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and numerous individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized healthier school meals, student-requested plant-based options, support for local farms, and the 30% by 2030 goal. Some testimony urged more local purchasing and raised concerns about decentralization, while DOE said it was considering island-based procurement and separate contracts to better support local producers. No votes were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vermonters are presumed to be competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources
• Vermonters are presumed to be competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources
• Vermonters are presumed to be competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources
• 05:05.520><c> communication</c> provided effective communication provided effective communication resources
• </c> resources of their choice. resources of their choice.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary will read: An act relating to enhancing the operational efficiency of child care providers
• Substitute Senate Bill 6351, the Secretary will read: An act relating to increasing fiscal resources
• An act relating to increasing fiscal resources for students and children by providing targeted sales
• Senate Bill 6351 increases fiscal resources for students and children by providing targeted sales tax
• This bill is simply about freeing up resources to help our schools with their struggling budgets and

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , SB6006 , SB6260 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6354 , SB6355 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• These are critical resources that we have to build and grow.
• parts running already with the UNM Rainforest, the New Mexico State's Arrowhead Center, existing resources
• We were refining and moving some efforts much faster so we can be agile, but we are very resource-limited
• We've been refining and moving some efforts much faster so we can be agile, but we are very resource-limited
• There is, there is, but that sort of central hub coordination can make that happen effectively and efficiently

Bills: SB145 , SB143

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• Neighbors, all kinds of collateral resources, while law enforcement is mainly focused on the alleged
• Have the resource witness from DFPS, um, is it Audrey? No one's registered.
• Um, so Marta, uh, Talbert, the DFPS resource witness on the bill, correct? Yes. OK.
• That this substitute can be implemented and the resource witness is available up on your if you have
• We also have um Priscilla Parrilla with the Health and Human Services Commission as a resource on the

Bills: HB 741 , HB 1199 , HB 2070 , HB 2402 , HB 2542 , HB 2665 , HB 2789 , HB 3096 , HB 3396 , HB 3595 , HB 3747 , HB 4116 , HB 4127

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a different — there's different. collateral resources that they've talked to.
• And I have the resource witness. from DFPS, is it Audrey, let's see. No one's registered.
• So Marta Talbert. the DFPS resource witness on the bill. Correct, yes. OK, thank you, Marta.
• And we just want to ensure that justice. delivered in a timely and efficient and proper manner.
• Priscilla Perea with the Health and Human Services Commission is a resource on the bill.

Bills: HB741 , HB 1199 , HB2070 , HB2402 , HB2542 , HB2665 , HB2789 , HB3096 , HB3396 , HB3595 , HB3747 , HB4116 , HB4127

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Number four, to identify ways to deliver insurance more effectively. efficiently without the many layers
• We have consumer resources.
• Thank you, and just for the committee, we do have a resource off.
• We work with you all to give information, provide resource, testimony.
• Brown told you about, and the same sort of sets of resources, how to shop.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DCF has experienced a critical shortage of placement options for children in the current family resource
• We are losing foster homes at record numbers and lack the resources needed to provide supportive placements
• Efficient having arisen, the ayes and nays will be ordered.
• It's not because of it. ...the greatest sources of resource we have to give to our communities because
• We invested in mental health resources, funded support for survivors, keeping our firefighters healthy

Summary: The Senate continued debate on the FY27 state budget, with several distinguished introductions and a series of amendment actions. Early amendments from Senator Collins on restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay were withdrawn without objection. The Chair then sustained a point of order that a group of tax-related amendments, including proposals on teacher tax relief, tips, overtime, estate tax, and income tax rates, were out of order because they would create money bills that must originate in the House; the Senate voted 35-4 to uphold that ruling. Senator Tarr’s gas tax suspension amendment and several other amendments were defeated, while Senator Fattman’s amendment extending domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, 39-0. The Senate also adopted Senator Fernandes’ amendment creating a commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after debate focused on inequities in local aid distribution and the need for a modern formula. The chamber then took up House No. 5375, the Chapter 90 municipal roads and bridges bill, and passed it to be engrossed. Additional amendments were considered on the budget, including a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, both adopted, after which the Ways and Means amendment as amended was adopted and the underlying budget was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also handled several procedural matters, including concurrence in a House referral for a bill on poverty-related legislation and ordering a sick leave bank bill for Carla Johnson to a third reading. After extensive closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and others praising the collaborative budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted on final passage of House No. 5501, the FY27 appropriations bill. The roll call showed 40-0 in favor, and the bill was passed to be engrossed. The Senate then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We very much appreciate the collaboration that we have on working on natural resources-related issues
• We have the resources available through solar, wind, and geothermal to be energy independent.
• It reminds us of the importance of thoughtful policy, strategic planning, and the resources needed to
• To hear that this program is available here, I would imagine that most of the tribal natural resources
• We had to sign off our SECIA officials, but it's a really efficient program.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• EPA's program... under the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, Superfund and Resource
• Our natural resources, and we've seen in a state, an industrial state like Ohio, about how to strike
• at a lot of the EIE, by the way, I'm not as smart as you guys, but I'm fairly nerdy and pretty resourceful
• so the question is in light of this concern around slashing budgets how would you achieve the efficiencies
• outcomes, will you commit to ensuring that the region nine office and EPA headquarters dedicate resources

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee