Transcript Highlights:

• That handgun prohibition was removed from the legislation when it was passed.
• We have expert witnesses, Kyle Carruth, legislative director for Gun Owners of America, and attorney
• about personal impact, will guide your decision to protect our communities by voting against this legislation
• about personal impact, will guide your decision to protect our communities by voting against this legislation
• to a critic who would say, how can you call yourself a Second Amendment supporter and yet oppose legislation

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed. Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety. After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> And there is a $4 million appropriation. And there is a $4 million appropriation.
• </c> on this important legislation. on this important legislation.
• </c> appropriately within our communities. appropriately within our communities.
• </c> the proposed legislation is premature. the proposed legislation is premature.
• I am a Deputy Legislative Auditor from the Office of Legislative Auditor.

Bills: HF3753, HF4299, HF4700, HF4282, HF4139, HF3530, HF4031

Keywords: school safety, threat assessment, pilot project, education, real-time monitoring, public safety, HF4299, school safety specialists, Minnesota School Safety Center, appropriation, general fund, fiscal year 2026, school security, school violence prevention, student safety, Department of Public Safety, school resource support, education funding, peace officer, training reimbursement

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriations.
• </c> and standing appropriation. and standing appropriation.
• </c> standing appropriation. standing appropriation.
• </c> appropriation in this bill. appropriation in this bill.
• that's held back from the grants, the money we put in. 5% if it's a legislatively directed appropriated

Bills: HF4213, HF4198, HF3930, HF3585, HF3451

Keywords: education finance, school funding, K-12, prekindergarten, pre-K, early childhood education, general education aid, special education, literacy aid, school meals, free school meals, school breakfast, school lunch, charter school lease aid, charter schools, nonpublic pupil aid, private school aid, transportation aid, desegregation aid, integration aid

Transcript Highlights:

• And RLD for working with the industry on this legislation. We have worked well together.
• And then if we did mandate this piece of legislation.
• of legislation that dealt with basic training or resources.
• As policymakers and legislators, we need to do what we need to do.
• There's a first up for everything, and I will move due pass when appropriate.

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair, members of the committee, and distinguished legislators.
• This legislation is pro-veteran, pro-law enforcement, and pro-Arizona.
• This legislation is pro-veteran, pro-law enforcement, and pro-Arizona.
• Finally, the bill appropriates $500,000.
• It will be specified by the time this bill comes to appropriations.

Bills: SB1020, SB1107, SB1117, SB1160, SB1216, SB1308

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy, law enforcement recruitment, public safety, community policing, background investigation, psychological fitness

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 1965 will maintain the funding level invested in this program during the 2023 legislative
• But, you know, my sense is it's an appropriate—I mean, the IPS program is an appropriation, and so I
• think the nature of the budget items there are somewhat different. appropriation um just as one point
• of appropriation um just as one point of clarification<00:56:58.119><c> um</c><00:56:58.440><c> as</
• program is an appropriation and the IPS program is an appropriation and so<00:57:11.160><c> I</c><00

Bills: HF1538, HF1965, HF2251, HF2838

Keywords: teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a new program that was authorized in the 2023 legislative session.
• There's a strong substance use component there, so what are age-appropriate times for kids in schools
• from the Minnesota us as a request from the Minnesota Medical<01:08:03.039><c> Association</c><01:08
• not to have this patient has requested not to have any<01:08:44.640><c> opioids</c><01:08:45.640><c>
• Representative Bierman said it is a commendable piece of legislation that will help a lot of people,

Bills: HF696, HF1429, HF1379

Keywords: HF696, rural EMS, ambulance, emergency medical services, uncompensated care, payment pool, rural health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, public safety answering point, PSAP, nontransport, unpaid ambulance calls, EMS reimbursement, rural ambulance provider, general fund appropriation, Minnesota health finance, specialized life support, metropolitan counties, emergency response funding, HF1429

Bills: HB236, HB236

Keywords: HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem, supplemental compensation, county board, ad valorem tax, property tax appeal, tax assessment, mileage reimbursement, Consumer Price Index, CPI adjustment, local legislation, equalization board, taxpayer protests, property inspection, county revenue, education appropriations, supplemental appropriation, Education Trust Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• More importantly, welcome to Appropriations. All right.
• It's my first time, I think, in Appropriations.
• So we'd have to do that as an appropriation.
• Yes, I'm happy to put any sunset on the committee feels is appropriate.
• But as an appropriator, I would have liked to have had the opportunity to fund this fund, to appropriate

Bills: HB316, HB549, HB646, HB752, HB824, HB873, HB1129, HB1157, HB1170

Keywords: literacy, adolescent, teacher education, high-dosage tutoring, reading intervention, workforce development, training programs, Bayou Growth Opportunity, funding, employment, skills gap, qualified employer, credential recognition, government growth limit, recurring revenue, state finance, Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund, fiscal responsibility, legislative sessions, regular sessions

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 22 and first considered Chairman Beaulieu’s House Bill 646, a constitutional amendment limiting the amount of State General Fund money that may be appropriated in a fiscal year. After adopting a set of amendments creating the Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund and making conforming changes, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The companion bill, House Bill 824, which establishes the growth limit formula based on CPI, medical CPI, and population change, was also amended and reported favorably as amended. Supporters framed both measures as a way to keep spending within recurring revenues and create a path toward reducing or eliminating the state income tax. The committee then reported favorably as amended House Bill 1157, creating the Louisiana State Infrastructure Fund to help finance infrastructure-related projects, with testimony that it would leverage private and federal dollars and initially focus on rail, port, road, and bridge projects. House Bill 316, which provides a framework for student literacy reforms for grades four through eight, was presented as having no new cost because the Department of Education said the work was already covered by existing resources; it was reported favorably. House Bill 549, creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program to provide employer-based training grants, also received support from business groups and was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1129, dealing with the sale of state-owned surplus movable property, drew support from Louisiana auctioneers who argued local firms should be allowed to bid on the state’s auction contract instead of relying on an out-of-state vendor; it was reported favorably. House Bill 873, which would fund pursuit intervention technology through a $2 driver’s license fee, generated significant concern about adding fees and whether the money should instead come from existing budgets. After discussion of the proposed technologies and training, the committee deferred the bill voluntarily to work on alternatives, including a possible sunset and other funding options. Finally, House Bill 752, which would change the timing and duration of regular legislative sessions by joint rule, was reported without action after members noted the revised fiscal note showed a decrease in state general fund expenditures. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• was set<00:13:16.639><c> up</c><00:13:16.800><c> as</c><00:13:16.959><c> a</c><00:13:17.200><c> legislative
• </c><00:13:17.760><c> commission</c><00:13:18.720><c> and</c> set up as a legislative commission and
• set up as a legislative commission and then<00:13:19.360><c> the</c><00:13:19.600><c> executive</c><00

Bills: HB530, HB559, SB317, HB568, HB530, HB559, SB317, HB568

Keywords: tax exemption, Kidz Eatz, sales tax, non-profit, local government, loitering, mask mandate, public safety, school policy, college regulations, law enforcement, Alabama Innovation Corporation, board of directors, staggered terms, economic development, entrepreneurship, voting rights, restoration, pardons, Parole Board

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not a request, but it is. For not contacting each of you individually.
• This is not a request, but is born from multiple inquiries and concerns, both in my district and across
• So with that, I'm going to move to strike title on this bill, and then request, you have a question,
• And so as we look to protect ratepayers from large loads and other pieces of legislation, I think it's

Bills: HB3183, HB2999, HB3787, HB3499, HJR1023

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, nondisclosure agreements, public officials, transparency, government accountability, utility infrastructure, election, qualified elector, municipal office, school board, registration requirements, HB3499, special judge, special judges, court jurisdiction

Summary: The committee heard several measures and adopted PCS versions as working drafts before taking action. H.J.R. 1023, the biennial workers’ compensation fee schedule resolution, was presented as a vehicle to keep the schedule alive while the updated rates were still pending from the federal side due to the shutdown; it passed 8-0. House Bill 2999, which would prohibit requiring public officials to sign nondisclosure agreements, drew discussion about whether it should be broadened to cover litigation outcomes and other government transparency issues. The author agreed to strike the title and continue working on the language, and the bill passed 8-0 with the title stricken. House Bill 3788, as amended in PCS-2, would require officeholders to be U.S. citizens; members questioned whether the bill should also bar non-citizens from certain appointments, with examples raised about local boards and temporary appointments. The author said the intent was to focus on elected office, the Election Board assistant secretary said the bill reflected that intent, and the committee voted 9-1 to report it do pass, with the title still stricken for further work. The committee also advanced House Bill 3499, which allows special judges to hear applications for title matters, on a 10-0 vote. House Bill 3183, described by its author as a cost-saving measure related to electrical transmission infrastructure and protecting ratepayers from large loads, also passed 10-0. Throughout the meeting, members frequently used motions to adopt PCS drafts, move bills, and strike titles where language was still being refined before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is meeting three of the 2026 legislative session.
• A fiscal note has been requested but is not yet available. That concludes my... ...prop bets.
• A fiscal note has been requested, but is not yet available.
• A fiscal note has been requested but is not yet available. That concludes my... prop bets.
• A fiscal note has been requested, but is not yet available.

Bills: HB2205, HB2309, HB2206, HB2123, HB2120, HB2411

Keywords: sports wagering, gambling regulation, state control, licensing, consumer protection, state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 3 by Huffman, relating to making supplemental appropriations for disaster relief and giving
• direction and adjustment authority regarding those appropriations to finance.

Bills: SB8, SB4, SB3, SB6, SB8, SB4

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections

Bills: SB 3074, HB 49, HB 2440, HB 3556, HB 3619, HB 3866, HB 4042, HB 4112, HB 4271, HB 4413, HB 4426, HB 5033

Keywords: oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes, environmental safety, beneficial use, motor vehicle, air quality, energy source, engine, state implementation plan, construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights

Transcript Highlights:

• , that the affected person's state legislator submits a request in writing for an investigation. investigation
• Again, as a reminder, if an affected it submits in writing a request for the investigation.
• And I'm on the appropriate committee, you've been on that committee with me on 678, to help TCEQ give
• Bill would be the appropriate venue for that. Thank you. You're welcome.
• Well, it's in the appropriate form. Thank you, I appreciate that. Members, any questions?

Bills: HB573, HB1499, HB1768, HB3071, HB3249, HB3866, HB4112

Keywords: environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, looks like section 38.45. 3, line 20, request for analysis of proposed legislation.
• so if you if a member is working on some legislation they don't have the ability to make that request
• okay, and request information.
• So we had legislation.
• legislation to go through.

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• areas... that I think is maybe a little bit overlooked is the benefit that this has for helping legislators
• and appropriators. evaluate our own state benefit plans.
• And this is a problem that has been recurring for appropriators on an ongoing basis where there are extra
• That is a major benefit for state appropriators.
• If there was a bill to repeal the prompt pay legislation, there would be a cost savings, right?

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• day and that we ...previous legislative day and that we adopt said journal.
• President, I'd move that we be able to introduce any bills at any time during the legislative day.
• If it's more appropriate, I don't mind doing what I'm asked to do.
• When would you all feel is appropriate then in this context?
• When would you all feel is appropriate in this process for me to do our moment in black history?

Bills: SJR 2, SB 4, SJR 36, SJR 2, SB 4, SR 42, SR 74, SR 76, HCR 5, SB 710, SB 710

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we pass a lot of legislation, a lot of important legislation in every session.
• One no vote in the Senate or the House on this legislation. I'm counting on him to get this done.
• Thinking you were going to be critical of the House for not passing this legislation.

Bills: SJR2, SB4, SJR36, SJR2, SB4, SR42, SR74, SR76, HCR5, SB710, SB710

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• session of the legislature. on February 26th, 2025, SCR14 Zaffirini sponsor Hunter. granting the legislator

Bills: SJR2, SB4, SJR36, SJR2, SB4, SR42, SR74, SR76, HCR5, SB710, SB710

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means