Transcript Highlights:

• All of them will be taking a career assessment, which looks at personality, interests, skills, and values
• They then get to be coached through the results of the assessment, and we try to connect some dots between
• For the teachers that allow this program, for instance, the assessment taking component as a graded activity
• one of the ideas I really liked because it starts out with these kids taking a personality type assessment

Bills: HB205 , HB226 , HB234

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications, church magazines, Bible class materials, Sunday school materials, tax administration, indirect tax, state revenue, HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the Conservation Futures Program, counties levy a property tax of up to $6.5 per $1,000 of assessed
• Criminal wildlife penalty assessments for violations of trade of covered species are increased in the
• Criminal wildlife penalty assessments for violations of trade of covered species are increased in the

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an executive session on a series of bills and a joint memorial. Staff summarized measures on agricultural marketing (SB 5816, adding juice grapes), Board of Natural Resources membership and tribal representation (SB 5838), irrigation district hiring exemptions (SB 5930), ungulate population management and predator mitigation (SB 5960), a green fertilizer incentive program (SB 5971), mitigation grants for landowners (SB 6075), tribal participation in the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), agricultural impact statements and related protections for farmland (SB 6104), timber sale process modernization (SB 6216), increased wildlife penalty assessments for covered species trade (SB 6233), shellfish licensing and biotoxin fee caps (SB 6318), and a federal wildfire response memorial (SJM 8015). Several bills had proposed substitutes or amendments, including competing changes to SB 5838 and SB 5960, but some items were ultimately set aside with no action. The committee adopted a substitute for SB 5971 and advanced it to Ways and Means. It also adopted a substitute for SB 6097 and sent it to Rules. SB 5816, SB 6216, SB 6233, SB 6318, and SJM 8015 all received due pass recommendations, with SB 5971 and SB 6318 referred onward to Ways and Means. SB 5838 was debated at length over tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources; amendments to require forest-management expertise or alternate east/west representation were rejected, and the proposed substitute was approved and passed. SB 6233 drew comments about possible unintended consequences, but the bill passed. The committee took no action on SB 5930, SB 5960, SB 6075, and SB 6104. The chair later confirmed that every bill on the executive session agenda had either been moved forward or dropped from the agenda. The meeting ended with the chair thanking staff and members for getting through the last committee meeting before the policy cutoff, and the committee adjourned subject to signature of the boards.

Transcript Highlights:

• The assessment will include information on each crop or product considered, detailing the environmental
• impact and an assessment of each crop's suitability to Florida's climate and expected economic benefit
• SB 786, this bill prohibits an assignment of assessments on agricultural improvements for agricultural

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met and considered four bills. SB 178, by Senator Rouson, created an agronomic study to be conducted by Florida A&M University, subject to appropriation, to identify viable crops or products for land taken out of production by disease or weather and to assess environmental and economic impacts; it passed unanimously and was reported favorably. SB 980, by Senator Bernard, created a one-year Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program within FDACS to help postsecondary institutions address student hunger through task forces, SNAP assistance, food pantries, and related measures; DACS support was noted, one student government representative appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 786, by Chair Truenow, prohibited assignment of assessments on agricultural improvements for agricultural purposes on lands classified as agriculture; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 700, the FDACS “farm bill,” via a strike-all amendment. The amendment included a broad package of technical and substantive changes, including restrictions on additives to public water systems, limits on ESG considerations in agricultural lending, criminal penalties related to drone harassment, updates to disaster loan programs, truth-in-labeling provisions, charity registration changes, on-farm worker housing provisions, and support for FFA and 4-H dues. A major point of discussion was the provision preempting local governments from deciding whether to fluoridate water; supporters argued for statewide consistency and consumer choice, while opponents, including the Florida Dental Association and local officials, warned it would remove local control and harm public health, especially for low-income residents. Other speakers addressed concealed carry due process concerns, landowner rights, and labeling issues. The strike-all was adopted, and CS/SB 700 was reported favorably, with some senators noting they would continue working on concerns before later stops. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton asked to be recorded as voting yes on SB 178, SB 980, and SB 786, and the committee agreed. The chair also welcomed Warner University agriculture policy students visiting the Capitol, and the meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• these</c><00:21:08.919><c> Parcels</c><00:21:09.679><c> that's</c><00:21:09.880><c> something</c> assess
• these Parcels that's something assess these Parcels that's something that<00:21:10.240><c> we'd</c><
• Property values, if assessed against the proverbial or theoretical highest and best use, would be very
• Property values, if assessed against the proverbial or theoretical highest and best use, would be very
• </c> minimized property values um if assessed minimized property values um if assessed against<00:49:

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have some suggested language, and we suggest that it be amended to say: undergo a mental health assessment
• and comply with the recommendations of the assessment, because people are at different levels, different
• ><c> the</c><00:03:43.040><c> assessment</c> recommendations of the assessment recommendations of the
• assessment because<00:03:44.319><c> people</c><00:03:44.760><c> are</c><00:03:45.000><c> at</c><00:03
• our biggest issue is that um assessment our biggest issue is that um well<00:04:52.720><c> we</c><00

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill continues to set the regulatory rate wagering assessment at 0.5% for fiscal year 2027 and continues
• Happy to answer any questions. regering assessment at 0.5% for fiscal year 2027 and continues to allow
• These are actually assessed from the universities.
• They assessed for Arizona State $4,578,282; for NAU, $844,956; and for the U of A, $3,198,776."
• So, um... ...pointing at or assessing child faces. If I can cut in right there, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• what I call a true economic development ethic, which means that when we develop a regulation, we assess
• This commitment to science is reflected in the California climate change assessments, which LCI provides
• The fifth assessment is nearly complete and will be released this... 2017 and 2018, the last time the
• The fifth assessment is nearly complete and will be released this.
• The fifth assessment is nearly complete and will be released this October at the Resilient California

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:

• are certified, they're being certified by someone who knows what they're looking at, knows how to assess
• Senate Bill 43 would direct the Department of Energy to evaluate and assess the benefits, impacts, best
• Senate Bill 43 would direct the Department of Energy to evaluate and assess the benefits and impacts
• House Bill 769. and the court and the committees of course of justice for both chambers wants to assess
• several changes recommended by DLS to further clarify that this is a tool for the board to use in assessing

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also like to focus on future costs that lie ahead, as well as offer a framework for how to assess
• With respect to the assessment of market activity, the ISO's Independent Department of Market Monitoring
• With respect to the assessment of market activity, the ISO's Independent Department of Market Monitoring
• Evaluating electrical corporations' wildfire mitigation plans, assessing their performance, implementing
• In addition to reviewing the plans, our Energy Safety also conducts wildfire safety culture assessments

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be some sort of a collection, but what this is, it's like everything else, is for that moment to assess
• And assessments have been made.
• We're not going to lower any of that, and we'll still have an assessment tool that we can count on and
• Secretary will read the caption: Committee Substitute for House Bill 4, relating to the assessment of
• House Bill 4, relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability, and

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is related to significant change in status comprehensive assessments following isolation.
• </c><00:26:34.720><c> following</c> comprehensive assessments following comprehensive assessments following
• You have to individually assess that person.
• You have to individually assess that person.
• You have to individually assess that person.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to bear as contractors, and if you're over schedule, they're going to be assessed, and they don't
• they're going to We have to bear as contractors, and if you're over schedule, they're going to be assessed
• firming impacts in ERCOT should not impact existing thermal, and that applying these would thereby assess
• farming impacts in ERCOT should not impact existing thermal and that applying these would thereby assess
• We do do a planning assessment for geomagnetic disturbances. Okay.

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several bills without objection or by recorded vote, including SB 783, SB 1238, SB 1706, SB 1791, SB 458, SB 1644, and SB 1810, with some of them also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then moved into hearings on additional bills. SB 1968, by Senator Schwertner, would update the Real Estate License Act by repealing subagency, requiring written buyer-agent agreements before showings, and clarifying when a formal buyer representation agreement must be signed. Texas Realtors testified in support, saying the bill modernizes agency rules and increases transparency, while a committee substitute corrected drafting issues. SB 2411, the annual update to the Texas Business Organizations Code, was also laid out and left pending after supportive testimony from the Texas Business Law Foundation and drafting committee representatives. The committee also heard SB 2321, which would codify ERCOT’s current practice of notifying TCEQ when backup generation needs enforcement discretion for grid reliability; Sierra Club and a chamber of commerce witness supported it with suggestions for clearer emissions reporting, and the bill was left pending. SB 2077 would broaden eligibility for the Texas Mutual Insurance Company board by narrowing conflict restrictions tied to insurance-related interests; Texas Mutual supported the change and the bill was left pending. SB 1405, a broadband bill, would align state law with FCC standards and streamline Broadband Development Office processes; it was left pending after supportive testimony. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit donor privacy, drew support from privacy advocates and concerns from one witness about transparency for publicly funded nonprofit operations; it was left pending. The committee then heard SB 776, which would bar government construction contracts from shifting delay damages to contractors when delays are caused solely by the public owner. Contractors, surety representatives, and water infrastructure advocates supported the bill, arguing it would improve fairness and reduce inflated bids, while water utilities and critical infrastructure entities opposed it, warning of more litigation and higher costs; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 715, which would apply reliability requirements retroactively to all generation resources in ERCOT, drew opposition from renewable and storage groups and support from some critics of renewable subsidies, with witnesses split over whether it would improve reliability or raise costs; testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• large municipalities transferring revenues from water and wastewater utilities to general funds, assess
• What we have to look at is a system-wide risk assessment in Mexico.
• What we have to look at is a system-wide risk assessment in Mexico.
• And if we're opening one, System-wide risk assessment in Mexico.
• So that's the assessment we're trying to make every day. It's not easy.

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's<01:04:00.640><c> trying</c><01:04:00.960><c> to</c><01:04:01.920><c> assess</c><01:04:02.400>
• <c> how</c><01:04:03.119><c> to</c><01:04:03.359><c> move</c> it's trying to assess how to move it's
• trying to assess how to move forward<01:04:04.079><c> without</c><01:04:04.960><c> the</c><01:04:05.280
• Establishes a pharmacist workforce assessment fee and appropriates funds.
• Establishes a pharmacist workforce assessment fee and appropriates funds.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The $22 million came from a bottom-up assessment of the funding needed for all SWCDs to deliver on their
• The $22 million came from a bottom-up assessment of the funding needed for all SWCDs to deliver on their
• We discovered that the property tax assessments would be a substantial burden for occupying the entire
• In 2023, we assessed nearly 39,000 acres, and these are acres that are farmed by the board members of
• </c><00:42:45.480><c> nearly</c> Minnesota uh in 2023 we assessed nearly Minnesota uh in 2023 we assessed

Bills: HF1126 , HF967 , HF1066 , HF1669 , HF926

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire is experiencing a homeless crisis, according to HUD's 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment
• New Hampshire is experiencing a homeless crisis, according to HUD's 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment
• New Hampshire is experiencing a homeless crisis, according to HUD's 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment
• </c> you know these College Bound assessments you know these College Bound assessments um<01:39:24.159
• </c> evidence through a series of Assessments evidence through a series of Assessments or<01:43:39.239

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I attached a copy of that hydrology assessment to my remarks.
• He assessed the low-water crossings.
• TDEM, dispatch, much more. ...of P-STAT assessments.
• So is somebody like that assessing what's going on, assessing what the need is?
• Assessing what's going on, assessing what the need is, and I know a lot of our churches have gotten funding

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness and flooding hearing opened with quorum calls, prayer, testimony time limits, and remarks from legislative leaders emphasizing decorum, respect, and the goal of learning from the July 4 flood to prevent future loss of life. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows said the special session and hearings were intended to hear directly from local officials and residents, and that the state would pursue immediate and longer-term legislation and continue working beyond the current session. The committee then heard invited testimony from Kerr County, Kerrville, Kendall County, Real County, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, followed by member questions. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, and emergency management coordinator William B. Thomas described the flood as a sudden, unprecedented event that overwhelmed local systems before many officials or residents understood the danger. They said the county received multiple National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, but the rain fell in remote upstream areas with limited gauges, and the flood rose too quickly for normal response. They detailed the emergency response, including dispatchers handling heavy call volumes, deputies and volunteer firefighters conducting rescues, and state and federal partners assisting. County officials said 108 people died, including 37 children, and two remained missing. They called for better real-time flood detection, stronger rural emergency management resources, improved broadband and cell coverage, and more funding for swift-water rescue and warning systems. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and City Manager Dalton Rice said the city had floodplain rules, emergency plans, and prior preparedness efforts, but the event exposed gaps in communications and regional warning capacity. They urged the Legislature to fund a flood warning system, whether sirens, automated alerts, or a hybrid, and asked for support for predictive weather modeling, broadband expansion, a hazard mitigation fund, and disaster recovery resources. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority said it had long funded gauges and pursued flood-warning and mitigation projects, including a new software-based flood prediction system and possible retention dams, and planned to dedicate reserve funds to feasibility studies and infrastructure improvements. Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said his county’s emergency action plan and early alerts helped prevent deaths there, and he recommended easier access to alerting tools, a river-wide warning system, simpler grant applications, and regional coordination. Real County Judge Bella Rubio said rural counties face major challenges because of limited cell service, broadband, staffing, and funding, especially for camps and visitors along the Frio and Nueces rivers, and argued that reliable alert systems should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury. Members asked about the timeline of the flood, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and funding, and several witnesses said the key lessons were better communications, better warning systems, and more investment in rural flood mitigation and emergency response.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:59.080><c> uh</c> relating to cognitive assessments uh relating to cognitive assessments uh
• The cognitive assessment testing is so critical at this time.
• The cognitive assessment testing is so critical at this time.
• </c> standardization of cognitive assessment standardization of cognitive assessment Tas<00:25:28.000
• Next bill is HB 700, relating to cognitive assessments.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• beds, as housing units for people with acutely low incomes towards their regional housing needs assessment
• They paid the $5,000, got hit with another assessment of $40,000 that they were required to pay within
• the majority of average people are not going to be able to look into every single detail, every assessment
• the majority of average people are not going to be able to look into every single detail, every assessment
• , every fee. last year Every single detail, every assessment, every fee.

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee heard SB 866, which would require jurisdictions that do not receive HAP grants to include homelessness data, strategies, and regional coordination in their housing elements. The author and supporters said the bill would close a gap in planning and create more consistent, data-driven local responses to homelessness. Opponents, including the League of California Cities and several cities, argued the bill would impose costly and duplicative reporting requirements on small jurisdictions, require data cities cannot control, and should instead be aligned with existing regional planning processes. Members raised concerns about burden on small cities, but also emphasized the need for statewide, standardized homelessness planning. The committee then heard SB 967, which would allow jurisdictions to count qualifying interim housing toward a portion of their acutely low-income RHNA obligations, with safeguards against double counting and reporting requirements for moved units. Supporters said interim housing is a faster, less expensive way to get people indoors and should be incentivized as a bridge from encampments to permanent housing. Opponents, including housing law experts and advocacy groups, argued the bill would blur the line between temporary shelter and permanent housing, weaken obligations to build deeply affordable housing, and create a two-tier system for the lowest-income Californians. After discussion, the committee passed SB 967 on a due pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call for absent members. The committee also considered SCR 131, a resolution calling for a coordinated state effort to end unsheltered homelessness and prioritize a broader set of interventions, including interim housing, prevention, and permanent supportive housing. Supporters described unsheltered homelessness as a moral and public health crisis and urged stronger state alignment and funding. One member explained an abstention based on concerns that the resolution’s language could be read as endorsing more funding without clear metrics or evidence of effectiveness. The author said amendments had already narrowed the language and was open to further changes. The resolution was adopted on a motion, with the roll held open for absent members. Finally, the committee heard SB 1238, which would strengthen oversight and transparency for homeowners associations and HOA management companies, including disclosures, reserve-fund protections, and a fiduciary-duty provision. The author and supporters said the bill would protect homeowners from mismanagement and improve financial clarity in common interest developments. Opponents from community manager and HOA groups said managers are administrative agents, not decision-makers, and objected especially to imposing a fiduciary duty to individual homeowners. Members generally supported the bill but flagged the fiduciary-duty issue and reserve-fund language as areas for further review, noting that some amendments had been agreed to and others would be addressed later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• beds, as housing units for people with acutely low incomes toward their regional housing needs assessment
• They are not attorneys, they are not contractors, and are not... ...collecting assessments.
• first-time homebuyer, would pay all of the fees, bought their first condo, and got hit with an assessment
• They paid the $5,000, got hit with another assessment of $40,000 that they were required to pay within
• Every single detail, every assessment, every fee.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related measures. SB 866 by Senator Blakespear would require jurisdictions that do not receive HAP homelessness grants to include homelessness data strategies and regional coordination in their housing elements. Supporters said the bill would close a planning gap and improve transparency and accountability; opponents, including the League of California Cities and several cities, argued it would impose costly, duplicative reporting requirements and ask cities to collect data outside their control. Members raised concerns about burden on small cities and possible amendments for lower-population or low-homelessness jurisdictions, but no final vote was taken because the committee initially lacked a quorum. SB 967, also by Senator Blakespear, would allow qualifying interim housing units to count toward a portion of a jurisdiction’s RHNA obligation for acutely low-income housing, with safeguards against double counting and reporting requirements. Supporters said the bill would incentivize rapid, dignified interim housing and help move people out of encampments; opponents warned it would blur the line between temporary shelter and permanent housing and could reduce pressure to build deeply affordable permanent units. After extensive debate, the committee reached quorum and voted the bill out on a due pass basis to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with members noting continued work on amendments. The committee also considered SCR 131, a resolution calling for a coordinated state effort to end unsheltered homelessness and prioritize a broad range of interventions, including interim housing, permanent supportive housing, and prevention. Supporters emphasized the scale and urgency of unsheltered homelessness and the need for clearer state goals and funding. One member said the resolution’s language was too broad and abstained, but the author agreed to consider wording changes. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote and held on call for absent members. Finally, SB 1238 by Senator Wahab would increase oversight and transparency for homeowners associations and HOA managers, including disclosures, reserve-fund rules, and a proposed fiduciary-duty standard. Realtors and homeowner supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability, while community-manager groups opposed the fiduciary-duty provision and raised concerns about litigation and insurance costs. Members discussed the reserve-fund language and fiduciary-duty issue, noting that further changes would be considered in the Judiciary Committee; the bill was not yet voted on in this hearing.