Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me, OK? Okay.
• And so I'm a little sad to hear you tell me now that that's not necessarily the case.
• But what I hear you saying is that the work will be the same.
• Thank you for hearing this very, very important bill.
• We hear some stories of hard work from really brave individuals across the board.

Bills: HF3454 , HF3917 , HF2906 , HF3832 , HF3769

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: social work, licensure, employment titles, health occupations, professional standards, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances, psilocybin, psilocin, psychedelic, psychedelic medicine, hallucinogen, mushrooms, magic mushrooms, therapeutic use

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for hearing this wonderful bill.
• Please note this was written before hearing the amendment.
• We need to hear from you because it's you that this bill will impact.
• You did an amazing job conducting this hearing to my colleagues.
• You did an amazing job conducting this hearing to my colleagues.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, the motion prevails and the spreadsheet is adopted.
• Hearing none, the motion opposed?
• Next, Hearing none, the motion prevails.
• Hearing none, the motion prevails and that A101 is adopted.
• Hearing none, the I. I. Any opposed?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I thank you for the hearing, and I yield for questions. Thank you, Senator Hughes. Does.
• And thank you for the hearing, and I yield for questions. Thank you, Senator Hughes.
• Currently in the depository, I hear you had $380 million. Yes, sir. Okay.
• And I'm happy to hear from you as well, Senator Hughes, on this if that applies.
• The constitutional concerns were raised in my... ...House hearing on this legislation.

Bills: SB524 , SB782 , HB42 , HB 1056 , HB2894 , HB3033 , HB3474 , HB3594 , HB4738 , HB5246 , HB42

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: SB 524, Texas franchise tax, veteran-owned business, new veteran-owned business, business tax exemption, filing fee exemption, Tax Code Chapter 171, Business Organizations Code, Comptroller, small business, veterans, entrepreneurship, tax repeal, privilege tax, beginning date, franchise tax exemption, severance tax, oil, gas, restimulation wells

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me okay? Okay.
• We will be recommending rejecting the three proposals we're hearing today.
• Just to add, hearing your question, I love your questions. Thank you.
• We will hear the budget proposal to augment the program's resources.
• With that, our hearing is adjourned. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This honorable body gave the Attorney General's office Administrative Hearings and Child Support from
• In addition to the Administrative Hearings and Child Support, last session this honorable body passed
• But I just want you to hear the same thing I did.
• So I will yield her and let her speak just briefly so you can hear her own story.
• So I will yield her and let her speak just briefly so you can hear her own story.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:24 SB 7: 00:00:51 SB 130: 00:06:00 SB 244: 00:11:17 SB 236: 00:13:31, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, would create a Right of Publicity Act to prohibit unauthorized commercial use of a person’s unclothed likeness, including for living and deceased individuals, while carving out exemptions for artistic and news-related uses. Bledsoe said the bill is intended to address privacy, dignity, and AI-generated image misuse, and noted she may offer a floor amendment to address concerns from broadband and internet providers. Sen. Thomas supported the bill but questioned the 10-year duration, and Bledsoe said that timeframe was somewhat arbitrary. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 7 with favorable expression to the floor. Senate Bill 130, presented by Sen. Maiden, addressed gift card scams and theft of redemption information. A committee substitute was adopted, and Maiden described the bill as a response to organized retail crime, citing major gift card scams in Louisville and Lexington and explaining how tampered cards are returned to shelves and later drained after purchase. He said the substitute would create clear criminal penalties, make gift card tampering a felony, and add gift card fraud to the credit card fraud statute. Members shared personal experiences with compromised gift cards, and the committee approved SB 130 8-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 244, a reorganization cleanup bill presented by Sen. Howell and Attorney General’s office counsel Will Schroer, would complete name and structural changes following the transfer of Administrative Hearings and Child Support from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Attorney General’s office and align the bill with prior data privacy legislation. The committee voted 9-0 to send SB 244 to the floor with favorable expression. Senate Bill 236, sponsored by Sen. Smith, drew extended discussion about a veteran’s case involving an old misdemeanor/DUI matter and a later warrant or failure-to-appear issue. The witness described being arrested years later despite having rebuilt her life, and senators debated whether the bill’s proposed time limit could create loopholes or affect court procedures; members emphasized that the underlying charge would remain and that the bill was aimed at unserved failure-to-appear warrants. The committee ultimately voted to advance SB 236 with favorable expression, with several members explaining their support while noting concerns about possible future language changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would love to hear from DVS on how many appointments are available as of today.
• I would love to hear from DVS on how many appointments are available as of today.
• I would love to hear from DVS on how many appointments are available as of today.
• I would love to hear from DVS on how many appointments are available as of today.
• </c> you yeah thank you and before we uh hear you yeah thank you and before we uh hear that<00:24:35.240

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that I've been hearing back from a lot of the employers... ...hearing back from a lot
• What we had in Mobile was a divorce hearing.
• Many of some judges will not even hear the case or even offer a hearing. ...hear the case or even offer
• a hearing when immunity is at issue.
• I rarely hear of a prosecutor getting sued.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want Minnesotans to know that I hear their concerns.
• </c> um and so I I'm I'm so happy to hear um and so I I'm I'm so happy to hear that<00:10:12.320><c>
• </c> topic you know what do they need to hear topic you know what do they need to hear from<00:10:23.000
• You know, again, going back to the residents that you hear, they're upset hearing what's going on with
• uh they're upset residents that you hear uh they're upset uh<00:13:20.240><c> hearing</c><00:13:20.519

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we did hear from the industry side.
• That's why I hearing, Mr. Chairman.
• And that's what I think we'll hear. We'll hear a request to strengthen the bill.
• And that's what I think we'll hear. We'll hear a request to strengthen the bill.
• up the hearing for 509.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, I will close the public hearing and we have a few minutes before we can have the hearing on
• Representative Scitec hearing.
• Chair: Glad to hear.
• You can hear me? Yes. Okay.”
• </c> hearing and go into executive session. hearing and go into executive session.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 254, which Senator David Roford described as a technical correction to controlled substance inventory law for pharmacies. He said the bill would remove outdated language requiring inventories to be done in an odd-numbered year, while keeping the existing requirement that pharmacies conduct a full controlled substance inventory every two years in line with federal law. Members asked several clarifying questions about whether the requirement is pharmacy-by-pharmacy, whether new pharmacies would be affected, and whether the change would alter scope or compliance; the sponsor and a representative of the New Hampshire Pharmacist Association said it would not, and that it mainly provides clarity for pharmacies and inspectors. The public hearing on SB 254 was then closed, and the committee also heard support from a representative of the pharmacist community, who said the association supports the bill. The committee then discussed a non-germane amendment to SB 254 dealing with FBI background checks for educational surrogate parents under the Department of Education. Representative Leyon explained that the amendment was requested by the Department of Education after the FBI rejected prior statutory language, and that the goal was to allow people serving as educational surrogate parents to complete FBI fingerprint-based background checks so they can perform their duties. Department of Education and Department of Safety staff testified that the amendment mirrors language that has worked in other education-related background check statutes, including provisions with specific disqualifying offenses tied to child safety, and that the FBI requires precise statutory language and direct transmission of records through the Department of Safety. Members questioned why the FBI’s approval was needed, whether individuals could simply provide their own records, and whether changing federal leadership could require future changes; witnesses said the state needs both state and national records, that records must come directly from the FBI through the Department of Safety, and that the language is intended to satisfy current federal requirements. During the discussion, some members expressed skepticism about the need for the amendment and about placing it on a bill about controlled substance inventories, but no vote was taken during the portion of the transcript provided. The committee also briefly discussed a separate bill on physician assistants/physician associates, with members noting that the proposed name change would not alter scope of practice and that some outside groups had raised concerns about transparency, but that discussion was interrupted and not concluded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• What I hear from my county is if you try to get a guardianship, the family member will have to hire a
• And by the time they have that guardianship all lined up for a hearing, the mental health facility is
• notorious for letting the person out before the hearing, and all of that effort goes to waste.
• That ends the hearing on House Bill 2516. We'll now go to H.J.R. 171.
• That concludes our hearing for House Joint Resolution 171.

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, then heard testimony on House Bill 2516, which would allow a qualified family advocate to participate in a patient’s care during a 96-hour mental health hold. Representative Burns said the bill is intended to prevent facilities from using blanket HIPAA-based policies to exclude family members who often provide critical background, medication history, and discharge support. Members asked whether the bill assumes incapacity based on detention and whether a doctor could still deny family participation; Burns said the goal is to let physicians permit family input and that the advocacy role would end once the patient is released. No one testified for or against the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 171, which would count property held in Chapter 100 bond arrangements toward a school district’s bonding capacity even though the property is tax-exempt while under municipal or other government ownership. Representative Faulkner said the change would help districts borrow more and noted an amendment was being considered to include all government entities, not just municipalities. Members raised concern that the proposal would extend school district credit without allowing the district to use the property’s tax revenue to repay the bond, though Faulkner said Chapter 100 projects are temporary and eventually return to the tax rolls. No public testimony was offered. After a quorum was established, the committee entered executive session and voted on House Bill 3205. The motion to do pass the bill was approved 6-0, with six ayes and no noes. The committee also postponed executive action on another measure until the following week, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, hears none. Question comes on adoption of the order. All those in favor say aye.
• Chair, hears none. Question now comes on adoption of the order. All those in favor say aye.
• Chair, hears none. Question now comes on adoption of the order. All those in favor say aye.
• Chair, hears none, and the order is adopted. Question comes on adoption of the order.
• Chair, hears none, and the order is adopted. Senator from Suffolk, Mr.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, welcome to the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee hearing.
• Thank you for hearing this sole item, AB 754.
• Thank you very much for hearing the bill on concurrence.
• Thank you for hearing the bill today, and I ask for your aye vote. Great. Thank you.
• Wilson will get the first motion that she wants in next year’s first hearing.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard AB 754 by Assemblymember Connolly, a district-specific bill updating the Floating Home Residency Law in Marin County. The author explained that the measure was intended to fix unintended consequences from AB 252, which had created renter protections for floating homeowners but, according to the author, did not work well in Marin because of the unique construction and financing needs of floating homes there. Supporters said the bill was developed over more than two years with extensive input from residents, marina operators, and county officials, and that a community survey showed 93% resident support and support from all five marina owners. Testimony in support came from the author and Karen Lang representing the County of Marin, both emphasizing that the bill preserved renter protections while allowing marinas to remain financially viable and maintain infrastructure. No opposition testimony was presented, and committee members praised the author for securing local agreement before advancing the bill. After quorum was established, the committee took up concurrence in the Senate amendments. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting, and the committee concurred in the Senate amendments to AB 754.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> been waiting on hearing from the house. been waiting on hearing from the house.
• a lot about tomorrow we're going to hear a lot about tomorrow morning. morning. morning.
• I honestly don't remember hearing any concerns about the fee increase.
• Did I hear that? We do know who they are.
• >> I hear you. >> Senator from Chittenden. >> If I might, Mr.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, I would like to address disruptions during the hearing.
• Lastly, I would like to address disruptions during the hearing.
• I know you'll continue to hear all sides and work on this issue.
• Well, I just want to make sure that, you know, I hear you.
• Well, I also hear all the concerns as well.

Summary: The committee heard a series of child and family services bills, with testimony from authors, county officials, advocates, and members of the public. AB 2083 would authorize a regional child care special district for Marina Valley and Paris; there was no public opposition, but a vice chair raised concerns about lack of outreach to Riverside County and possible added fees for residents. The bill was held pending quorum and later noted as enjoying a due pass recommendation, though no final roll was taken in the excerpt. AB 1579, which expands the Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program to allow additional CDSS-approved residential models, drew strong support from San Francisco County, Seneca Family of Agencies, and several counties and advocacy groups, who argued the current crisis residential model is financially and operationally unworkable and leaves youth in hospitals or emergency departments. The Youth Law Center and allied organizations opposed the bill, saying it departs from the original small, community-based crisis model and could lead to more institutional care. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 1628 would extend California’s safe surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days. The author and fire service supporters said the change would better reflect postpartum recovery and help prevent unsafe abandonment; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. AB 1634, dealing with the “Kids” specialty license plate program, sought to raise plate fees and revise distribution formulas to generate more revenue for child safety and child care programs. Supporters said the update would modernize outdated 1992 pricing and expand county access, while a committee member objected that the bill would reallocate funds away from state agencies and private nonprofits; the bill was moved on a 5-0 vote with some members not voting. AB 1643 would streamline child support enrollment by having courts transmit support orders directly to child support agencies unless a custodial parent opts out. Supporters said automatic enrollment would reduce poverty and remove paperwork barriers, while opponents warned it could undermine parent choice and create problems for families with sensitive circumstances. The committee passed the bill 6-0. AB 1708 would require regions receiving HHAP homelessness funds to more meaningfully engage smaller cities; many city officials supported it as a way to include jurisdictions that are doing local homelessness work, while Los Angeles’ mayor’s office opposed it. The bill passed 5-0. AB 2395 would standardize access to the child support debt reduction program; supporters described it as a way to help low-income obligors escape uncollectible government-owed debt, while receiving parents and child support agencies warned it could reduce money owed to families and needs more work. The bill passed 4-0. The committee then began AB 1914, which would require local governments to plan for child care in general plans; supporters framed child care as essential infrastructure, while at least one member raised concerns about state mandates on local jurisdictions, and the excerpt ends before any vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The two bills that you're hearing today are the balance between those two needs.
• But I want to hear from the... It would be exempting you just as I read it.
• But I want to hear from you guys.
• We hear evictions daily. There are five of us. We hear evictions daily.
• So make sure—I'm glad to hear he's involved in that.

Bills: HCR41 , HB11 , HB227 , HB243 , HB278 , HB335 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB492 , HB623 , HB641 , HB660 , HB708 , HB719 , HB940 , HB1029 , HB1053 , HB1069 , HB1077

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• We will hear from the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.
• We will then hear from the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
• At least that is what I'm hearing from a number of our papers.
• You never hear about it.
• You just don't hear those kinds of things.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development on the state’s Jobs First economic development strategy and related budget requests. Go-Biz described its regional planning process, priority sectors such as ag-tech, space defense, life sciences, and semiconductors, and requests including an extension of the CalCompetes tax credit, support for export promotion, additional film commission staff, innovation and emerging technology capacity, and a California brand campaign. Members questioned the campaign’s purpose, with some supporting efforts to counter misinformation about California and others warning it should not obscure regulatory and business-climate concerns. Go-Biz said the campaign would be nationally focused, could include business attraction efforts, and was intended to complement—not replace—policy work on permitting and workforce development. The item was informational only. The committee then heard from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate on the California RISE program, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and the Technical Assistance Program/Capital Infusion Program. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first round awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, which collectively increased revenue, secured contracts, and employed thousands of people facing barriers to work; a second round is being launched with a new administrator and expanded services. For the performing arts payroll fund, the office said all 100 awardees had been paid, but demand far exceeded available funding, and the program was oversubscribed within days. California for the Arts testified that the sector remains fragile after COVID and urged statutory changes to simplify eligibility and stretch dollars further. SBDC representatives described TAP/SIP as a statewide network supporting small businesses, capital access, and disaster recovery, emphasizing their role in underserved communities and the leverage of federal matching funds. Committee members focused on whether these programs produce durable outcomes and reach smaller or disadvantaged businesses. Questions centered on long-term job retention in California RISE, outreach to ethnic and community media in the civic media program, and whether TAP/SIP are accessible to entrepreneurs with limited capital or capacity. CalOSBA and its partners said they rely heavily on local community organizations for outreach, provide one-on-one counseling and training, and are working to collect more longitudinal data. The committee also discussed the film and television tax credit program, for which Go-Biz requested funding for three permanent positions and ongoing program support. Film Commission staff said the expanded program is tracking demographic and career-pathway data, with most productions opting into new diversity provisions, and that a formal report to the Legislature is expected in 2027. The item concluded without a vote, as the hearing was for oversight and budget discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing the bill.
• I appreciate you hearing the bill.
• Again, thank you for hearing this bill.
• Thank you for hearing this bill.
• So, and Chair Sumeranda, that is a delight to hear.

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first considered the executive nomination of John Snyder to the State Board for Charter Schools. Snyder described his background in municipal finance, charter school financings, and prior service with Arizona charter school organizations, and said his finance experience would help the board evaluate school viability and oversight. The committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard HB 2093, which would remove the statutory requirement that health education include mental health instruction and would repeal related consultation requirements over time. The sponsor argued schools should focus on academics and that social-emotional learning and mental health content belong with parents, while opponents, including students, a suicide-loss parent, and mental health advocates, said school-based instruction saves lives, helps students seek help, and preserves parental choice through opt-out provisions. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give HB 2093 a do pass recommendation. Members also considered HB 4043, requiring at least one campus employee trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use where applicable; HB 4005, requiring districts to teach ethical and educational uses of AI beginning in 2027-28; HB 2895, allowing Native American language proficiency to satisfy a world language graduation requirement; HB 2383, renaming trampoline court safety legislation as Ty’s Law; HB 4109, requiring school district public safety policies, notifications, and annual reporting after serious violence or weapon incidents; HB 2376, appropriating $40 million for the school safety program; and HB 2380, requiring public access to board meeting materials and tighter rules on out-of-state travel. HB 4043, HB 2895, and HB 2383 all received unanimous or near-unanimous do pass recommendations, while HB 4005, HB 4109, HB 2376, and HB 2380 each advanced on 4-3 votes, with some members citing concerns about unfunded mandates, criminal penalties, local control, or the scope and timing of required disclosures.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our second hearing as the Senate Subcommittee Number 1, as well as our first hearing.
• This is our second hearing as the Senate Subcommittee Number 1, as well as our first hearing on TK through
• So it's helpful to hear that.
• Thank you for hearing our request today. Thank you for hearing our request today.
• Thank you for having this hearing.

Keywords: 987, senate, all