Transcript Highlights:

• Poling, for not only your service to our country, but also for your service in the medical field.
• When you remove the THC molecule, it is the fire.
• But that's how that service works.
• Thank you for your service. It's a big step. Yes.
• Still, you can maintain those services.

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> implying that there are hiring, firing, implying that there are hiring, firing, human<01:06:10.559
• </c> about decisions, hiring and firing about decisions, hiring and firing decisions<01:33:11.040><c>
• </c><01:40:29.440><c> only</c><01:40:29.679><c> for</c> services that are restricted only for services
• </c> they're also forced to provide services they're also forced to provide services to<01:43:09.440>
• </c><02:46:22.160><c> for</c> supporting and increasing services for supporting and increasing services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I should be fired. Oh, no way. No way.
• Public service ain't being big. And we found that out. Public service ain't being big.
• we retired this one.” “97-1 is a legislator, legislative employee required to file for personal services
• on a state agency contract, I would retain this opinion, but strike the language about personal services
• “About personal services contract because that distinction is no longer made.

Summary: The meeting opened with attendance and technical setup, including bringing a remote member into the session. The chair also made brief remarks about public service in light of recent violence against public officials, and a member shared condolences related to a colleague’s death. The committee then approved the minutes and noted no employment disclosure forms were filed. The main business was an update on digitizing committee files. Staff reported that the archival scanning estimate had been reduced and that a DocuSign contract would be sent for the chair’s signature. Members also discussed whether the work could be completed before the end of the biennium and whether existing funds could be used or prepaid. The committee then reviewed a long list of remaining advisory opinions and, on motion, approved staff recommendations to retain some opinions and retire or partially retire others based on changes in law or usefulness of the opinions. Topics included special privileges, frequent flyer miles, state contracts involving legislators, tours sponsored by lobbying entities, conflicts of interest, confidentiality of drafting requests, election-year brochures, and recusal/firewall issues. After a separate discussion about an older election-related outreach opinion, members agreed they likely still intended to apply the same factors outside the election-year context and asked staff to revisit whether that opinion should be unretired or revised. The public portion of the meeting was then adjourned, with the committee preparing to move into executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I apologize to the Chairman of Senate Armed Services if my gavel is a little vigorous.
• Response Act would improve emergency response. by reclassifying emergency dispatchers as a protective service
• And the Fog Observation and Geographic Forecasting Act would require the National Weather Service to
• I do remain concerned about putting more requirements upon the National Marine Fisheries Service at a
• this administration's threats to independent commissions like the FCC as the president has illegally fired

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> goods, digital services, or other apps. goods, digital services, or other apps.
• service service following<00:47:09.040><c> kind</c><00:47:09.200><c> of</c><00:47:09.359><c> broad</
• </c> your service to uh for our kids. your service to uh for our kids.
• It's also a service to those who do serve in that capacity, and it is a service.
• </c> rural health care in rural service. rural health care in rural service.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the amendment removes a reference to residential sprinkler fitting as a type of work for which a fire
• This was at the request of the stakeholders, and both parties agree that it is inappropriate for a fire
• So, between the sprinkler fitters, the State Fire Marshal's office, and several other stakeholders that
• And as we all know, fire can be the most devastating thing that could happen to any person, any family
• So when there is a catastrophe of fire, they work and they save lives.

Summary: The committee held executive session on eight bills and heard staff briefings on each measure and any proposed substitutes or amendments. The bills covered domestic worker labor protections (HB 2355), a PTSD treatment pilot in workers’ compensation (HB 2405), electronic notices from L&I (HB 2406), private-sector collective bargaining (HB 2471), fire sprinkler contractor licensing and fitter certification (HB 2472), wage complaint enforcement discretion (HB 2478), a wage recovery program and account (HB 2479), and behavioral health and wellness training for apprentices (HB 2492). Several amendments were described as stakeholder-driven or clarifying, including changes to babysitting exemptions and disclosure language in HB 2355, opt-in language for the PTSD pilot in HB 2405, restoration of some current-law notice provisions in HB 2406, and technical or policy-aligning changes in the wage and apprenticeship bills. During final action, the committee adopted the proposed substitute for HB 2355 and reported it out with a due pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote, with opponents citing the fiscal note and affordability concerns. HB 2405 was amended to make participation in the PTSD pilot voluntary for workers and self-insurers, then passed unanimously out of committee. HB 2406 also passed unanimously after an amendment preserving certain current-law notice provisions. HB 2471, the collective bargaining bill, was reported out on a 6-3 vote after debate over whether the bill was premature given the current status of the NLRB. The committee then adopted a stakeholder amendment to HB 2472 and passed it unanimously, followed by unanimous passage of amended HB 2478, which gives L&I discretion in wage complaint enforcement and requires public prioritization of complaints. HB 2479, creating a wage recovery program and account, was also amended and passed unanimously, with members emphasizing bipartisan support and the goal of helping workers recover unpaid wages faster. Finally, HB 2492 was amended to allow certain behavioral health training to count toward continuing education for licensed electricians and plumbers, and it passed unanimously before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One critical component of that work now deserves mention: peer support services.
• The examples I've just shared focus on services available once a case is underway.
• Each of us is entrusted with advancing the rule of law through public service.
• Each of us is entrusted with advancing the rule of law through public service.
• Each of us is entrusted with advancing the rule of law through public service.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:14.880><c> for</c> 24-hour day customer service for 24-hour day customer service for everybody
• And we are the only way to buy service.
• I did not uh vet many rods in the fire.
• If you are testing services of any kind.
• Um that ancillary services built.

Bills: HF3642, HF2700, HF3615

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, prohibition, customer payouts, cryptocurrency regulation, consumer privacy, data privacy, health data, sensitive data, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, personal data, data broker, targeted advertising, geofencing, location tracking, health care privacy, patient privacy, consent, minor privacy, children's privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• I appear today on behalf of defense credit unions that serve service members, veterans, military families
• It comes out of the resources that support military families and mission-focused member service.
• They're buying other services from their processors. So we just want to keep that in mind.
• They're buying other services from their processors. So we just want to keep that in mind.
• So they are paying more, but they're also getting substantial services.

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard testimony from credit union, retail, banking, and payments industry representatives. Much of the discussion focused on proposals to exclude sales tax and tips from interchange fees, the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and related litigation, and whether similar state action in Massachusetts would help small businesses or instead create a patchwork that burdens state-chartered institutions. Witnesses from defense and community credit unions argued interchange helps fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, member services, and low-fee products, while retail and NRF representatives said merchants are paying significant swipe fees and that state laws like Illinois’s are aimed at reducing costs that are not being passed on to consumers. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides security, fraud protection, rewards, and access to credit, and that many of the costs merchants complain about are actually bundled processor or acquirer fees rather than interchange itself. Others countered that small businesses are struggling with rising overall costs and that Massachusetts should consider reforms such as allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as meaningful relief for merchants and opponents saying it is temporary and incomplete. No formal votes were taken on legislation. The commission accepted oral testimony, noted that written testimony would be accepted through July 31, and concluded the meeting by unanimously voting to adjourn. The chair and members said they would continue gathering testimony and work toward recommendations, with the chair stressing the need to find a fair middle ground that supports both small businesses and the broader payments ecosystem.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a discussion of legislative council services to legislators.
• I know we've had freshmen who just haven't used services, you know, even though, like, I was assigned
• And I know as freshmen, you know, drinking from the fire hose thing, I get that.
• They're providing a great public service, but they have limitations on what they can do.
• And I think in the past, we've relied on to go back to Human Services.

Summary: The committee met to organize upcoming legislative session arrangements and staffing, and to review several rule and security-related items. It first approved a Joint Rule 211 change, recommended by the Employee Benefits Committee, that clarifies the deadline and statutory references for introducing health insurance mandate bills so required cost-benefit materials can be completed in time. Members noted the change would streamline the process, though it would not solve all timing and mandate-determination issues. The committee then discussed a draft bill on confidentiality protections for certain public officials and candidates, but members raised concerns about the statute’s complexity, the practical difficulty of administering it, and whether it would meaningfully improve safety; no action was taken and the topic was set aside for further discussion. The committee received an update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is in process to apply for grant funding that could reimburse up to about $200 per legislator for personal security-related expenses such as home cameras, locks, lighting, or monitoring services, with reimbursement handled through Legislative Council and subject to Emergency Commission approval. Members asked about eligible expenses, timing, and whether new legislators would be included, and staff said the program would likely cover current legislators only for this round. The committee also approved the 2027 joint session schedule for the State of the State, tribal-state message, and State of the Judiciary on January 5, with the tribal and judiciary addresses in the morning and the governor’s address later in the day. The committee next approved the statutory reporting schedule for the Commerce Commissioner and agricultural commodity groups, setting the Commerce report for January 13, 2027, and the agriculture reports and pesticide container disposal update for January 14, 2027. Members questioned the usefulness of some of these recurring reports, but agreed to follow the existing statutory requirements. The largest discussion centered on Legislative Council staffing for the 2027 session: the committee approved reducing session staff to 36 Senate and 41 House employees, eliminating procedural clerk positions in standing committees in favor of permanent policy analysts, while retaining quality assurance clerks and adding a House parking lot attendant. It also approved a 3% salary increase for those staff positions, matching the increase given to state employees. Finally, the committee reviewed a revised organizational session and new legislator training agenda. Staff proposed moving some orientation content into a separate pre-session training day for new legislators on November 30, including laptop setup, mock committee and floor sessions, parliamentary procedure, and HR/benefits training, while adding more security and budgeting instruction. Members strongly supported earlier and more practical training, including follow-up reinforcement during the first week of session, and suggested using experienced or term-limited former legislators as mentors. Staff also described efforts to expand training materials into podcasts, flowcharts, and other formats, and Legislative Council leadership outlined the office’s remaining vacancies and a proposed expansion of policy analysts, program evaluators, legal staff, and training support to better serve the legislature and improve oversight of state programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work diligently to support a seaport network that continues to break records in growth and service
• It is essential to rebuild the infrastructure to move goods and services, not only to accommodate the
• We're expanding direct services to Asia, Mexico, Central America, and South America, with convenient
• Did that cause you any issues with your fire department? No.
• And as a 30-year Coast Guard veteran, I appreciate your service and your focus on logistics.

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework for counties and municipalities to allow utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain local roads with posted speed limits below 55 mph, subject to local safety determinations, licensing, insurance, and other restrictions. Supporters, including a retired sheriff and a Florida Sheriffs Association representative, argued the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and reflect the reality that UTVs are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are not designed for public roads and lack key safety features. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash risk, but the bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senators Martin, McClain, and Truenow expressing reservations. The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port of Palm Beach, and Port Tampa Bay described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the importance of state and federal grants, private partnerships, and long-term planning. They also discussed challenges including limited land, bulkhead and berth maintenance, channel deepening, workforce needs, fuel access, resiliency, and intermodal connectivity. Senators asked about return on investment, trade patterns, financing, cruise-versus-cargo balance, and operational risks; the ports emphasized that they are largely enterprise-funded but still depend on public investment for major infrastructure. The committee also approved a block of appointments to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority without objection. In addition, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, recommending a coordinated statewide aerial imagery and LiDAR program, shared procurement and cost-sharing arrangements, and statutory updates to improve interagency coordination and access to geospatial data. Senators briefly discussed potential uses for the data in insurance, emergency management, and property assessment, and the presentation concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We really didn't have any Services.
• member by service member.
• </c><01:05:21.920><c> member</c> eligibility requirements service member eligibility requirements service
• member by<01:05:22.480><c> service</c><01:05:22.799><c> member.
• I think we have to by service member.

Bills: HB0032

Keywords: English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the highest level of service possible. the highest level of service possible.
• I am the director of Western Prairie Human Services and the director of Traverse County Social Services
• </c><01:14:46.080><c> Social</c><01:14:46.320><c> Services</c> County Human Service Social Services County
• Human Service Social Services Administrators<01:14:47.360><c> or</c><01:14:47.560><c> MAXA.
• The space variance for centers, if approved by the fire marshal. I'm a firefighter. Fire safety.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's such an important key indicator to service... Access.
• residential services, shared living services, adult foster care services, day habilitation, community-based
• And Juan Vega, I just heard speak at a Rox Talks, Children's Services of Roxbury forum.
• Juan Vega, I just heard speak at a Rox Talks, Children's Services of Roxbury forum.
• We have a couple emails to fire up until we meet again. Motion to adjourn. Second. All right.

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved the prior November minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, which covers community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injury. The presenters said 102 of 132 members responded, and reported that overall vacancy rates improved for the third straight year, falling from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, with declines across all program types. However, they emphasized that nearly 4,000 positions remain unfilled, licensed practical nurse and clinician vacancies remain especially high, and almost 1,800 people are still waiting for day services. ADDP also highlighted a new survey question on health insurance costs, reporting that nearly 90% of respondents saw premium increases averaging 11%, which providers said limits their ability to offer competitive wages and benefits. Members and commissioners discussed the significance of the data, the need to balance survey length with useful trend information, and the impact of immigration and workforce availability on provider staffing. ADDP said it plans to repeat the survey in the fall and continue monitoring these pressures. The subcommittee then elected Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian as co-chairs by voice vote. Members discussed possible speakers for the next meeting, including state and out-of-state workforce experts, JVS, Josh Cutler or his office, Juan Vega, Human Services Research Institute, and NASDDDS, with an emphasis on training, turnover, apprenticeships, and broader workforce supports. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• services for the original 61, and an incubator program for organizations looking to become ESEs.
• ESEs have been part of the fire recovery efforts in L.A. through L.A. Basin cleanup.
• ESEs have been part of the fire recovery efforts in L.A. through L.A. Basin cleanup.
• Our services become even more critical when there is a disaster.
• During the L.A. fires alone, we provided more than 8,000 hours of direct client services, helping owners

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:

• The State Treasurer's Service Account at 1.1...
• The state treasurer's service account at 1.1.
• services.
• and supports, housing, re-entry services, and community supports.
• provide those services, and we ignore it at our peril going forward.

Summary: The conference committee met on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5167, the state operating budget, and received a detailed staff briefing on the proposed conference report. Staff explained how to read the comparison documents, the four-year balanced-budget outlook, and the main resource assumptions, including use of the March 2025 revenue forecast, exclusion of the statutory 4.5% growth assumption, revenue legislation totaling about $8.7 billion, numerous fund transfers, and reversion assumptions. They also noted the proposal does not include a temporary salary reduction or furloughs. The briefing highlighted major policy areas and their net five-year impacts, including increases for state and higher education employee compensation, K-12 education, long-term care and developmental disabilities, corrections, information technology, and other policy items. It also described net reductions in behavioral health, children/youth/families, higher education, natural resources, other human services, and health care/public health, with many of the changes tied to delayed programs, rate adjustments, fund shifts, and savings options from Governor Ferguson. The committee then heard member comments, with supporters emphasizing K-12 funding and fiscal responsibility, and Senator Gildon opposing the process and the closed-door nature of the budget development. A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of the conference report and pass the bill. The roll call showed one member voting do not recommend, one member excused, and the remaining members recommending adoption. By vote of the committee, the conference report was adopted, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service, Mayor. Thank you for your service, Mayor. Madam Speaker, I yield back.
• He received many honors for his service and retired in 2017.
• </c> he received many honors for his service he received many honors for his service and<00:15:54.199
• We know how it happened to the New York City woman who was put on fire.
• We know how it happened to the New York City woman who was put on fire.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also requires that these departments enter into agreement to establish what exact services are
• are to be establish what exact services are to be provided<00:42:33.120><c> by</c><00:42:33.280><c>
• If they have phone service but, for whatever reason, don't have or lose internet access, they still can
• Chairman. when the world seems to be on fire. when the world seems to be on fire.
• Online was was was services Eight<01:44:51.920><c> five</c><01:44:52.040><c> in</c><01:44:52.120><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:06:14.319><c> Account</c> Colorado Drives Vehicle Services Account Colorado Drives Vehicle Services
• I will argue that a fee is a tax because ultimately you have to pay for that service, whatever that service
• </c> probably get fired. probably get fired.
• </c><01:38:01.119><c> service</c><01:38:01.440><c> was</c> say your military service service was say
• your military service service was actually<01:38:02.480><c> not</c><01:38:02.880><c> in</c><01:38:03.119

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a discussion of legislative council services to legislators.
• I know we've had freshmen who just haven't used services, you know, even though, like, I was assigned
• And I know as freshmen, you know, drinking from the fire hose, I get that.
• Legislators, more services, more resources, have people down in the standing committees.
• They're providing a great public service, but they have limitations on what they can do.

Keywords: 908, all