Transcript Highlights:

• Many of them are in the bidding cycle right now going through the FY26 FA bidding cycle to be bid out
• We have one project that will be going out to bid here in the next few weeks.
• or six could be bid together or split out into multiple more phases.
• Right now, we are only bidding out what you see in red.
• That is going to be bid out, hopefully approved at our March meeting.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How they're being bid.
• Their bid was so much lower that they're cutting some corners.
• , and the Office of Health Security.
• The energy security is national security, and I think we've seen that in recent days.
• But West Texas water security for the future is necessary for us to continue to ensure energy security

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be a highest bid that would be a higher and better use of the property. >> Here is what would
• <00:08:49.320> that That that would be a highest bid that That that would be a highest bid
• ." >> I says, "No, that's what we want." >> We want to go to bid. >> Yeah.
• <00:21:03.640> and<00:21:03.800> everything<00:21:04.160> like funding secured
• and everything like funding secured and everything like that. that. that.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The conference committee met on House Bill 69, which concerns Department of Health land transfers involving property from the Wyoming Life Resource Center in Lander. Members reviewed the two main pieces of the bill: a transfer of land to WYDOT for a maintenance yard, and a separate parcel intended for possible residential development. Much of the discussion focused on clarifying that the residential parcel would still be subject to zoning and likely sold through a public process, while the WYDOT parcel would remain a state-to-state transfer. A central issue was whether the City of Lander should be specifically included in the consultation language. Committee members agreed the city should be consulted on both sections, but there was debate over whether the bill should say the department is “authorized and directed” to convey the WYDOT parcel or use more permissive language such as “may” or simply “authorized.” Members noted that the city would have zoning authority over the residential parcel, but not necessarily a veto over the WYDOT transfer. The discussion also covered the practical need for a new WYDOT facility because the current yard is too small. The committee ultimately agreed to add the City of Lander to the consultation language, keep the WYDOT transfer directed, and leave the residential section permissive. They also approved a reporting requirement so the legislature would be notified when the transfers are completed. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the compromise and prepare a conference committee report for signing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just let the bids on that. Actually, it's going out this morning.
• I've got 10 on the governor's security and the nine that work executive security at the mansion and the
• That's been great for our nursing staff and our security staff as well.
• But 52 million of that is absolutely for safety and security.
• We used to have contract bids.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for Social Security Administration medical consultant.
• We're not able to get the competitive bid process in place. ...not able to get the competitive bid process
• We have already completed the RFP, put it out for bid.
• I'd have to see who all bid on it. I don't think there were two that bid, but I need to get that.
• I’m ready to move forward with a solicitation for a bid.

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can, as one bid, do the installation and the equipment as well.
• You can, as one bid, do the installation and the equipment as well.
• You can, as one bid, do the installation and the equipment as well.
• we've got to still have our security we've got to still have our security have<00:12:23.440>
• And now security team uh rights there.

Bills: SB86, SB196, SB228, SB231, HB73, HB407, HB435, SB86, SB196, SB228, SB231, HB73, HB407, HB435

Keywords: independent contractors, portable benefits, employee benefits, tax deductions, employment relationship, education, high school, community college, dual enrollment, secondary credit, Move on When Ready, financial services, discrimination, social credit score, religious freedom, transparency, consumer rights, Alabama, wastewater management, public service commission

Transcript Highlights:

• So it may be providing a false sense of security. >> Well, that's better than no sense of security. >
• So it may be providing a false sense of security. >> Well, that's better than no sense of security. >
• So it may be providing a false sense of security. >> Well, that's better than no sense of security. >
• So it may be providing a false sense of security. >> Well, that's better than no sense of security. >
• So it may be providing a false sense of security. >> Well, that's better than no sense of security. >

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agencies, and the security guard investigator bell enforcer schools.
• Unfortunately, our first round of bids that came back were not complete.
• And then secured property maintenance.
• some quotes and some bids.
• Also, I just wanted to highlight our security upgrades.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, the Inspector General of Homeland Security called for this facility, and this facility alone
• Since 2021, New Mexico has secured approximately $6.5 billion in federal funds.
• We have extensive... ...company, it does so in a no-bid, non-compete fashion.
• We know that when there are unannounced inspections conducted by folks such as the Homeland Security
• It takes off the table the option for ICE to enter into no-bid, non-compete agreements with the state

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• those bids will actually cost the state, given utilization and the population under care.
• PBMs can see the cost to the state of their own bids, but they can also see their competitors' bids.
• in order to secure reverse auction under multiple rounds of bidding.
• The result was with support... bid their competitors' bids in order to secure reverse auction under multiple
• rounds of bidding.

Summary: The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 13, 2026, adopted the May 6 minutes, and then took up several bills dealing with pharmacy benefit managers, prescription access, behavioral health coverage, and Citizens Property Insurance. HB 938, as amended, was the main PBM reform measure. After the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill, members heard extensive testimony in support from Mark Bloom, Justin Joseph of Capital Rx, and Kathy Ue of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, all emphasizing transparency, pass-through pricing, reverse auctions, and patient access. Supporters described savings from reverse auctions and administrative models, while the cancer center testified that PBM-owned specialty pharmacy requirements can delay cancer medications and create financial hardship. The committee reported HB 938 favorably with amendments. The committee also heard HB 1154, which prohibits prior authorization for certain generic medications prescribed by qualified physicians, with a $250 cap discussed as a safeguard against higher-cost generics. The bill was supported by representatives from Ochsner Health and the Louisiana State Medical Society and was reported favorably. HB 909, which requires commercial coverage for behavioral health crisis services, was amended to clarify the insurers covered and then reported favorably with support from the Office of Behavioral Health and several outside groups. Testimony on HB 909 focused on reducing emergency room and law enforcement burdens and expanding crisis response capacity across the state. HB 1187, dealing with excess emergency assessment funds from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, was explained by the Insurance Commissioner as a way to transfer remaining Katrina-era assessment funds to the Fortified Roof Program. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, SB 511 and SB 512 were deferred and converted into a study resolution approach because there was not yet consensus on the underlying issue. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Brodeur: IN TODAY'S INCREASINGLY CHARGE POLITICAL CLIMATE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF OUR
• THE INVITATION TO BID IS OFTEN THE MOST STRAIGHTFORWARD METHOD OF PROCUREMENT.
• IT IS AWARDED ON BEST PRICE IN OTHER WORDS IT'S A LOW BID CONTRACT.
• LAST YEAR STATE AGENCIES AWARDED 753 INVITATIONS TO BID.
• SOLUTIONS, AND CURRENTLY PROCURING NEW INNOVATIVE IT SERVICES SUCH AS DIGITAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS, AND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• contracting companies, so we've had to comply with Davis-Bacon and different minimum wages when we bid
• contracting companies, so we've had to comply with Davis-Bacon and different minimum wages when we bid
• contracting companies, so we've had to comply with Davis-Bacon and different minimum wages when we bid
• If you look at Social Security data and the U.S.
• contractors that are bidding on that, they are...

Summary: The committee held a study on the potential effects of living wage or minimum wage laws in Oklahoma, with the chair emphasizing that the discussion was not intended to advocate for or against State Question 832. The first panel focused on economic and workforce impacts. An Oklahoma Department of Commerce representative argued that living wage calculations vary by region and household type, that Oklahoma’s average wages are already near or above many living-wage estimates, and that higher mandated wages could lead employers to cut hours, reduce hiring, automate, or avoid expansion, especially in rural areas where childcare, healthcare, broadband, and infrastructure constraints also affect labor participation. Committee members asked about wage distributions, rural cost differences, training pathways, and whether higher wages might draw workers or businesses out of state; the witness said many low-wage workers move up over time and that Oklahoma has seen net in-migration. A State Chamber Research Foundation witness then testified that a $15 statewide wage floor would raise payroll costs substantially, especially for small rural employers, and cited examples from California and Seattle to argue that higher wages can reduce hours, jobs, and benefits while increasing consumer prices. She suggested alternatives such as expanding the state earned income tax credit and promoting upskilling through existing education and training programs. A Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry representative described Missouri’s recent voter-approved minimum wage increase to $13.75, rising to $15, along with paid sick leave provisions. She said the chamber opposed the measure because it would raise business costs, hurt rural communities and youth employment, and force some employers to cut hours, reduce hiring, or close. She cited examples from Missouri businesses facing significant added costs and warned that a future ballot initiative could create a patchwork of local minimum wages. In response to questions, she said Missouri’s law did not distinguish by age or industry, that businesses had raised concerns about union contracts and compliance, and that the chamber viewed the measure as harmful to competitiveness. Peter Hansen of NFIB presented the final major testimony, summarizing an NFIB study projecting that a higher Oklahoma minimum wage would produce some short-term GDP gains but longer-term losses, with GDP turning negative by the early 2030s and job losses growing over time. He said businesses respond to higher wage mandates by raising prices, trimming jobs, converting full-time positions to part-time, reducing benefits, and shifting investment toward automation or other capital. He argued that the burden falls most heavily on vulnerable workers such as young or marginal employees, who are less likely to be hired when labor costs rise. In questioning, he acknowledged that higher wages can improve pay for some workers and may have some short-term positive effects, but maintained that the long-term employment and investment effects are negative. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to provide access to the general public while maintaining security.
• So, relative to budget today, we've bid and awarded about 90% of the project.
• We've bid about 90% of the work, and today we're about $5 million under budget.
• So the remaining 10% is yet to bid, and we expect that in about five to six weeks we would know that.
• So we try to create a system where anybody and everybody that's qualified can bid, and we hope that the

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to connectivity itself, Zo Education also provides cyber security and network protection
• In addition to connectivity itself, Zo Education also provides cyber security and network protection
• In addition to connectivity itself, Zo Education also provides cyber security and network protection
• reliably, securely, and affordably. reliably, securely, and affordably.
• > bid<00:15:42.560> to<00:15:42.720> the the price that we bid to the the price

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Zayo Group 00:00:50 Committee Report to LRC 00:18:12, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Michael McCurley, president of Zo Education and a senior vice president with Zo Group, about the company’s role in providing broadband and managed network services to Kentucky schools. He said Zo Education serves all Kentucky K-12 public school districts in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, offering more bandwidth at lower cost than the prior provider and also providing cybersecurity and network protection. He emphasized that reliable connectivity is essential for instruction, testing, remote coursework, and school administration. McCurley also addressed the ongoing contract dispute involving the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Open Fiber Silicom, saying Zo Education is not a party to the litigation but is concerned about possible disruption to schools and students. In response to committee questions, he said the company incurred unexpected costs when it had to reroute connections and build alternate network paths, including one school move that cost more than $50,000 to serve a site generating under $2,000 per month. He said outages and incidents are more frequent when Kentucky Wired access is unavailable, and that Zo could not have bid at its current price without access to Kentucky Wired. Committee members discussed the broader implications of the dispute and the state’s broadband structure. Senator Williams said the committee’s priority is avoiding disruption to students and noted concerns about infrastructure purchases and upgrades tied to the network, saying he had not seen clear contractual support for some of the expenditures. He also referenced a future audit and said the committee should preserve options and taxpayer funds. The committee then reviewed its report to LRC, including changes related to infrastructure purchases and water asset management technology, and agreed to submit the report without a committee vote. The chair announced the next meeting would be in January, with no December meeting scheduled, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, in government, we don't make them bid.
• , and Office of Health Security.
• Secure water for our future.
• The energy security is national security, and I think we've seen that in recent days.
• But West Texas water security for the future is necessary for us to continue to ensure energy security

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• capacity to bid on the project can bid on it.
• It's very different than design-bid-build.
• On design-bid-build, it's a little more conceptual.
• The data you see there is some recent bid data.
• Design-bid-build, once we get to bid and award that project to a contractor, we have a pretty good sense

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements do not apply to all fair contracts, allowing the bids Contracting Code's competitive bidding
• requirements do not apply to all fair contracts, allowing the bids to be tailored or written to suit
• Competitive bidding requirements are an important tool for transparency and accountability and promote
• They know who the people who bid on these carnival contracts are.
• The public and also so that the contracts that are put out are bid in a very fair way to folks.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met to hear one bill, SB 1223 by Senator Padilla, which would require district agricultural associations and fairs to follow competitive bidding standards under the Public Contract Code and prohibit sole-source contracting. Senator Padilla and his witness argued the bill was needed to close a loophole exposed by litigation and investigations involving fair contracts, citing alleged bid tailoring and favoritism in San Diego and Orange County fair contracting. They said the measure would promote transparency, accountability, and fair competition, while noting that existing exemptions and guidance should allow smaller fairs to continue routine procurement without difficulty. Committee members asked how the bill would affect small and rural fairs and what steps managers would need to take to comply. The author and witness responded that the bill was aimed at large contracts where abuse had occurred, and that fair managers generally already know how to write RFPs so more than one bidder can qualify. The vice chair indicated support after receiving clarification, and the chair and other members spoke in favor of the bill as a safeguard against corruption. No opposition was presented in committee or public comment. The committee then voted to send SB 1223 to the Appropriations Committee. The roll call showed the measure passing with eight aye votes. Before adjournment, the chair also recognized the committee’s chief consultant, Victor, and secretary, Nicole, for their long service and upcoming retirements, thanking them for their work with the Agriculture Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• all bids must be disclosed. all bids must be disclosed.
• There was a comment about bid and bid document disclosure.
• from bidding. from bidding.
• All bids means all or vote on the bids.
• , all the bids, not just the fact that there is a bid, not just the entity from whom the bid is brought

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Coach Prector secured his 18th state championship in 29 seasons.
• Coach Practor secured his 18th state championship in 29 seasons at SSA and retired from coaching following
• Department of Homeland Security, and the congressional delegation to take necessary steps to pass the
• House Bill 821 by Representative McFarland, Schools and Nonprofit Security, to establish the Louisiana
• authorize the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to use certain contracts, provide for bidding

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:

• Lawsuit against the Orange County Fair revealed that the public contracting code's competitive bidding
• requirements do not apply to all fair contracts, allowing the bids Contracting Code's competitive bidding
• requirements do not apply to all fair contracts, allowing the bids to be tailored or written to suit
• Competitive bidding requirements are an important tool for transparency and accountability and promote
• They know who the people who bid on these carnival contracts are.

Keywords: 988, house, all