Transcript Highlights:

• We should not fall down on the job here.
• Jobs, and it spurs innovation.
• I was entitled to a job."
• Doing his job.
• That is our job, and I believe we should be following our job. Thank you, Mr.

Committee: Senate Senate Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an aspect of this job that I love the most.
• Good job. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you.
• We lead the nation in job creation, adding more jobs than any other state in 2024.
• And that was for 30 jobs.
• And it's a big job. And is it a job that... And it's a big job.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> vast majority of them did a great job vast majority of them did a great job occasionally<00:21:50.720
• , half the job is measurement, technician, engineer.
• , half the job is measurement, technician, engineer.
• But I think our job is to say, yeah, there's an issue here.
• But I think our job is to say, yeah, there's an issue here.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I then took the LSAT, went to law school, and he got me a job at Sony and MTV, and worked for a lot of
• Then I got a job over here in Bonneville County as a county prosecutor.
• I moved to Idaho 31 years ago from New England with a new job and three kids with me.
• With a new job and three kids with me, and for most of those 31 years I've lived one mile due east of
• And I think the staff right now are doing a tremendous job. But I think we're up to speed.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony from Layton Lenning on his gubernatorial appointment to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights. Lenning described his background as a prosecutor and attorney with experience in employment and entertainment law, and said he would approach the quasi-judicial role by being fair, impartial, and efficient. Committee members asked about his goals for the commission, and he said he had no policy agenda beyond careful, unbiased decision-making. The committee said it would vote on his appointment at a later meeting. The committee also heard from Brian Skagliano, a long-serving member of the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, on his reappointment. Skagliano said he has served nearly 20 years and described the commission’s work as reviewing investigations to determine cause or probable cause in discrimination cases. In response to questions, he said the commission is working through a backlog, expects to be caught up soon, and that roughly 6 to 9 percent of cases result in probable cause findings. He emphasized that many complainants simply want to be heard and receive an explanation, even when a case does not result in a finding of violation. The committee then approved several appointments: Megan Ronk to the Commission on Human Rights and Salvador Cruz to the Treasurer’s Advisory Committee, both with recommendations for confirmation. Finally, the committee introduced RS 32980, a proposed constitutional amendment related to public lands, sponsored by Senator Adams. Supporters said the measure was developed after broad public outreach, while Senator Ruchti noted interest in hearing from tribes, conservation groups, Farm Bureau, and others, as well as in understanding potential fiscal impacts if the state were to manage lands acquired from the federal government. The motion to send the RS to print passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Potentially transformational, this economic growth would bring desperately needed jobs to the region,
• AB 1016 clears a path for responsible, community-driven development that creates jobs, boosts the regional
• And as we heard, over 17% unemployment and a 21% poverty rate, every job opportunity and every economic
• effort to bring this across because everyone, even on this dais, knows how important it is to get jobs
• At our small rural communities, even a few jobs lost can have a large ripple effect on everyone.

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard two items: AB 1016 by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez and AJR 10 by Assemblymember Rogers. AB 1016 would expand the local permitting pilot for geothermal power plants in Imperial County, increasing the eligible generating capacity and extending the program through 2030. Gonzalez said he accepted committee amendments and emphasized the bill’s potential to create jobs, generate school and local tax revenue, and support California’s clean energy and baseload power goals. Imperial County officials and supporters from the State Building Trades and Independent Energy Producers Association testified in strong support, citing the county’s long geothermal permitting history, high unemployment, and major economic benefits from proposed projects. No opposition was presented. Committee members asked a few questions, including about the bill’s capacity range and ongoing coordination with labor. Gonzalez said he was continuing to work with the building trades on amendments, and the trades indicated they were now in support. The committee then took a roll call and passed AB 1016 on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members and later additional aye votes recorded. AJR 10 called on the federal government to oppose Forest Service staffing cuts and highlight the importance of national forests for water, wildlife, wildfire prevention, recreation, and rural economies. Rogers argued that reduced staffing would worsen wildfire risk and harm rural communities, and the committee heard no opposition. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote, with the roll also held open and later additional aye votes added. The hearing concluded after both measures received enough votes to move forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support around 220 jobs. support around 220 jobs.
• With that, I will wrap up to respect your time and take any questions. >> Great job.
• Uh, good job keeping that brief.
• Uh, good job keeping that brief. right. Uh, good job keeping that brief.
• We are doing our job and we're doing it well. But we need some assistance.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism met to hear presentations on a proposed downtown Lexington Arts Center. Visit Lex opened by framing the projects as regional economic development efforts that could support tourism, quality of life, and workforce attraction and retention. NextStage Development Corp. and ATG Entertainment then described a proposed $120 million project featuring a 2,500-seat performing arts center and a 20,000-square-foot visual arts gallery, with plans for up to 180 events a year, over 300,000 annual visitors, and an opening target of 2029. The presenters said the project would be funded through a $30 million state request, $30 million from ATG Entertainment, and $60 million raised by the nonprofit through philanthropy and other financing sources. They cited a feasibility study by Sound Diplomacy and compared the proposal to the Durham Performing Arts Center, arguing that similar venues have driven downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic activity in other cities. They also said the venue would include community access, school partnerships, subsidized tickets, and revenue returned to the nonprofit for grants and arts programming. Members asked about the total cost, the funding mix, whether the city of Lexington would contribute, and the building’s design. The presenters said they are in contact with city officials and are seeking city support, but have not yet hired an architect or begun conceptual design. They said the design process will involve community input and should fit Lexington’s historic downtown character. Representative Whitten asked whether the project would compete with Louisville; the presenters responded that their market analysis suggests the venue would serve audiences from Lexington, eastern Kentucky, and surrounding areas who are unlikely to travel to Louisville or Cincinnati, making the project complementary rather than competitive.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't have to be job-related.
• It doesn't have to be job-related.
• It doesn't have to be job-related.
• </c> jobs, I'm sorry, 6,000 guns a day. jobs, I'm sorry, 6,000 guns a day.
• </c> do their job, they're responsible. do their job, they're responsible.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> unemployment rates and record high job unemployment rates and record high job vacancy<00:15:45.560
• Becker's job to tell us on. I think it's our job as elected officials. This is the micro.
• :01.599><c> this</c> it's our job as elected officials this it's our job as elected officials this is
• York... look, my job here is to be Governor. I'm here. I do this.
• </c><01:15:42.199><c> in</c> Americans have lost their jobs in Americans have lost their jobs in Minnesota

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We work these jobs as full-time jobs year-round, and I know it's the same for you.
• We work these jobs as full-time jobs year-round, and I know it's the same for you.
• You're new to the job.
• new at the job.
• new at the job, but you've done a great job.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then in that phase class period, these individuals also receive a lot of what we call on-the-job
• So they're going into houses with mentors and individuals, really, you know, learning what the job is
• The amount of CNAs applying for a job in Conway versus the amount of CNAs applying for jobs in the other
• Do you think the Office of Long-Term Care is not doing their job very well? No, sir.
• We can't expect them to come to us and tell us what our job is and what we need to do.

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve prior minutes and then focused on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, later clarified in discussion as the Warren facility. DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after a prolonged prone restraint followed by a delayed chemical restraint, and reported that 13 staff were terminated, the superintendent was replaced, a consultant was brought in, and the agency entered a settlement with the family for $725,000. Members pressed DHS on the cause of death, restraint policies, staff training, supervision, family notification, and why the family had not been kept informed; DHS said a family-notification procedure exists but that communications during litigation had been handled through counsel. The committee also heard that six staff had been criminally charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person, and that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide with cause of death tied to physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. DHS officials gave broader context on the five human development centers, their licensing and accreditation, resident population, mortality review process, and training programs. They said the centers serve highly medically and behaviorally complex residents, that annual restraint training and CPI-based instruction are required, and that the mortality review committee and Office of Long-Term Care review deaths and make recommendations. Members repeatedly criticized the agency for not having complete information at the meeting and for what they saw as gaps in oversight, staffing, and chain-of-command clarity during emergencies. DHS responded that the Warren facility had not been meeting the same standards as the others, that the consultant’s root-cause analysis identified multiple failures, and that new crisis-team and chain-of-command procedures were being drafted. A second major topic was staffing and recruitment. Members discussed low pay, turnover, use of float and on-call staff, rural staffing shortages, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based services. DHS said CNAs at the centers start at about $39,000 a year, that a broader retention and recruitment plan is being drafted for all five centers, and that a separate rate study for PASS services will be implemented in January 2027 but does not cover CNA pay. The meeting ended with testimony from Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money could not replace her son and urged stronger training, background checks, and supervision so other residents would be protected. The committee asked DHS to keep members and Stevens updated on consultant reports, recruitment efforts, and follow-up on the family communication issue, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• brain, and that people with these early signs have full functionality and can still prosper in the job
• get the beginnings of this uh illness that you're incapable of functioning in whatever capacity your job
• </c><00:04:25.199><c> So,</c><00:04:25.840><c> you</c> in the job that they are given.
• So, you in the job that they are given.
• So, I just wanted job task may entail.

Bills: SB2445 , SB2125 , SB2355 , SB2834 , SB3237

Keywords: pedestrian, fines, traffic laws, economic vulnerability, safety, walking, public transportation, teacher licensing, teacher shortage, emergency hire, unlicensed teacher, out-of-field teaching, licensed teachers, charter schools, Department of Education, DOE, Board of Education, licensure requirements, teacher certification, alternative licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• With this job, this honor, I get to follow my dream.
• So, somewhat related to electronic health records and technologies for people to do their jobs better
• It's important that we start letting the courts do their job, asking them to do their job, start protecting
• Please vote yes to make sure the courts are doing their job to ensure that's a safe home.
• Vote yes to make sure the courts are doing their job to ensure that's a safe home.

Bills: SB6062 , SB6080 , SB6184 , SB6224 , SB6255 , SB6286 , SB6308 , SB6319 , SB5977 , SB5979 , SB6249 , SGA9299

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, contracts, jails, federal custody, municipal agreements, incarceration, law enforcement, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember walking out of a training and I came back and told my boss, I can't do this job.
• I have a side question: when did you take that boss's job?
• I don't know what your day job is, but think about it.
• I joke about it, but it's true; it's a very sexy job.
• They don't have exposure to those different jobs.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• That should be a job description. That should be required.
• That should<00:04:23.520><c> be</c><00:04:23.680><c> a</c><00:04:24.000><c> job</c><00:04:24.400><c>
• </c><00:04:25.120><c> That</c><00:04:25.360><c> should</c> should be a job description.
• That should should be a job description. That should be<00:04:25.680><c> required.
• But part of that is also helping job.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee Chair Kristen Robbins opened by criticizing the governor’s fraud package as too focused on new spending and staffing, and not enough on culture change, accountability, eligibility rules, and an enterprise-wide IT/data strategy. She said the committee had heard a good overview from multiple commissioners, but she remained concerned that piecemeal technology investments and added staff would not address the root causes of fraud. Robbins also said she would introduce a bill based on issues raised in committee, including requiring grants management staff to complete Office of Grants Management training and certification. A major action announced was the launch of a new whistleblower portal at mnfraud.com, which legislators said will let people submit basic fraud allegations, after which staff will follow up and forward matters to the Office of the Legislative Auditor, BCA, law enforcement, or the attorney general as appropriate. Members noted that the Office of the Legislative Auditor already has a separate reporting portal, and there was a question about why the new site does not allow anonymous reporting; Robbins said contact information is needed so staff can follow up. She also said the portal is intended to centralize and triage reports from agency workers, service recipients, and providers. Republican members said the governor’s proposal still misses key pieces. Vice Chair Anderson argued the package mostly adds staff to agencies that failed to catch or act on fraud, and said Minnesota needs a statewide independent inspector general with authority outside agencies and a stronger whistleblower system. Representative Marion Rarick said the proposed criminal penalty increases are too small compared with federal penalties and criticized the package for adding only one forensic auditor at the BCA while DHS receives many more positions. She also argued that agency managers should face sanctions when fraud occurs under their watch and said the state needs a culture where employees can be rewarded for good work but also held accountable for failures. Members discussed several other ideas, including creating new crimes for kickbacks and theft of public funds, requiring fraud fiscal notes, improving data sharing and eligibility verification, and using better IT so systems can talk to each other. There was also discussion of whether government services should rely less on nonprofits and private contractors; one member said fraud often follows a particular business model rather than the sector itself, while another suggested capping salaries of top nonprofit executives receiving government funds. The committee also noted that the governor’s fraud package is being presented as a package but will likely move as separate provisions through different omnibus bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• you with this very exciting opportunity to reappoint Commissioner Stodshill, who's done an amazing job
• the executive branch looked at. with respect to DEI like that and in the job that I'm in now my job
• It is your job to write the laws in the state of Texas, the governor's job to sign them or not. not sign
• them, and it is my job to follow the law as written by you.
• . job in protecting the citizens of the state.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, it's it's very the and jobs.
• So, the whole building has to great job.
• </c><00:21:58.280><c> in</c> lot of people are doing a great job in lot of people are doing a great job
• </c> housing, business growth and job housing, business growth and job creation<01:03:08.920><c> to</
• </c> private development, fostering job private development, fostering job creation<01:04:33.320><c>

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• More than 14,000 local jobs directly.
• Modernizing the trust fund is an investment in those communities, small businesses, jobs, and the tax
• And we... ...including high school students, where this is their first job.
• Advocates will lose their jobs. Fewer hotline calls will be answered.
• Last year was only her second year on the job.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the truth is, everyone needs a job.
• We're also extremely proud of the dental hygiene program and the respiratory program with a 100% job
• And like most other colleges that have a good nursing program, we have a 100% job placement rate for
• I don't think that there's always a job shortage.
• And I'm very passionate about this job.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and announced that the budget rollout would be postponed until the following week. The committee first considered SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to support health science workforce shortages in addition to nursing. The bill, as amended by a strike-all, broadened eligible uses of the fund, allowed matching contributions from non-health-care partners, prioritized health-care partner contributions, and updated reporting requirements. Testimony in support emphasized that the program has already reduced hospital vacancy rates and should be expanded to allied health fields. The committee adopted the amendment, passed the bill favorably, and recorded the chair’s affirmative vote. SB 720 was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request after the chair noted it had been incorporated into a larger committee bill. The committee then heard confirmations for numerous trustees of state colleges and universities, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. Appointees generally described their backgrounds and emphasized visions centered on affordability, student success, workforce training, dual enrollment, and alignment with local labor needs. Several highlighted strong nursing outcomes, including high NCLEX pass rates and job placement, while others pointed to expanding programs in welding, plumbing, electrical, cybersecurity, aviation, and other technical fields. Trustees from Tallahassee State and Pensacola State also discussed veterans’ services and health care coverage for college employees, respectively. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the confirmations as a block. Senator Calatayud moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees on the listed tabs, Senator Leek seconded, and the motion passed by roll call. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They do a wonderful job. Thank you.
• From the Chamber's perspective, this bill supports reinvestment in existing communities, job creation
• From the Chamber's perspective, this bill supports reinvestment in existing communities, job creation
• We are the foundation for job creation and innovation, and so I think this is really an important part
• Because these sectors work together to deliver affordable power, grid reliability, and local jobs, we

Bills: SB101 , SB58 , SB55

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB58, metropolitan redevelopment, redevelopment property, property tax exemption, payments in lieu of taxes, PILOT, municipal redevelopment, local government

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 101, which would repeal the July 1, 2030 sunset on the Health Care Delivery and Access Act and make the hospital provider-tax program permanent. The sponsor, the Health Care Authority secretary, and the New Mexico Hospital Association said the program has generated substantial federal Medicaid matching funds and has supported hospital workforce, quality, and infrastructure investments, especially in rural areas. Members asked why the sunset existed originally and whether federal changes under H.R. 1 would phase the program down; the secretary explained the sunset was meant as a review point, but that federal law now prevents creating a new similar program if this one expires. The committee heard support from hospital and business representatives, no opposition, and voted due pass 7-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 58, as amended, which extends the property tax abatement period for metropolitan redevelopment areas from a fixed seven years to up to 14 years. The sponsor and Albuquerque redevelopment officials said the change would give local governments more flexibility to structure projects based on financial need, while still preserving current tax payments and encouraging redevelopment of blighted or underused areas. Several supporters, including realtors and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, argued the longer window would improve certainty for developers and help spur housing and other reinvestment. Some members raised concerns about lost revenue for schools and whether the tool could be overused, but were told the program applies only in designated redevelopment areas and is intended to leverage future higher assessments. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 7-0. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 55, which increases New Mexico’s state solar tax credit from 10% to 30% after the federal credit was reduced, and raises the individual cap from $6,000 to $15,000 while keeping the overall annual program cap at $30 million. The sponsor and numerous solar industry, business, and clean-energy advocates said the change is needed to prevent layoffs, stabilize the rooftop solar market, support local jobs, and preserve grid and affordability benefits for customers. Members asked about permitting, certification, consumer protection, and whether battery storage was included; the sponsor said the bill covers rooftop solar only, the credit is refundable, and EMNRD certifies systems before credits are issued. The committee heard broad support, no opposition, and voted due pass 7-0 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody's worried about AI taking away jobs, and it absolutely is.
• for us, and there will be jobs that replace those jobs that people will have.
• Economic impact, dovetailing off of that: tens of thousands of direct jobs and indirect jobs, high wage-paying
• People were fearful of losing their jobs. All these machines came on. Were there going to be jobs?
• And my job as an AI is to make sure the fewest of you die as possible.

Committee: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Keywords: 1182, all