Transcript Highlights:

• The way I read the bill, excuse me, it's really just a transfer of whatever the value is from the state
• And as we merge more and more in economic finances, from fee-for-service to value-based reimbursement
• to better understanding the effects of vertical integration on, quote, We do think there is value to
• Chair recognizes Megan Benton, testifying on behalf of Texas Values Action and yourself, and you are
• In 2010 values action, and I'm here today to testify in favor of House Bill 2684.

Bills: HB216

Keywords: HB216, Texas abortion law, abortion-inducing drug, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, telemedicine, in-person exam, physician presence, out-of-state physician, reproductive healthcare, abortion regulation, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code, consultation services, remote prescribing, pro-life, pro-choice

Summary: The Committee on Public Health met with a quorum and heard public testimony on a long agenda, with members repeatedly reminded of a two-minute limit for witnesses. Several bills were voted out favorably, including HB 2588 on cottage food, HB 1639 on cancer incidence and female firefighters, HB 2581 on a reporting form for contracted services for pregnant women, and SB 922 on electronic disclosure of certain sensitive medical information. Those measures generally passed on party-line or near-unanimous votes, while HB 216 on itemized medical statements was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also left pending HB 5141, HB 4638, HB 2035, HB 4813, HB 2264, HB 4014, and HB 3829 after hearing testimony and questions. The final item introduced in the excerpt was HB 4408 on health care market transparency and corporate consolidation, but the discussion was cut off before testimony or action was completed. A major theme of the hearing was mental health diversion and access to treatment. HB 5141, by Rep. Howard, would allow Travis County to use vacated Austin State Hospital property for a local mental health jail diversion center; law enforcement, the Travis County sheriff, county judge, and urban counties group all testified in support, describing the lack of alternatives for people in crisis and the burden on jails and emergency rooms. Members asked about eligible offenses, bed capacity, and whether the facility would serve only Travis County, and the bill was left pending. HB 2264, by Rep. Schoolcraft, would create a friends-and-family form for loved ones to provide information to providers during emergency mental health treatment; NAMI and hospital groups supported it, while one neutral witness and several members raised concerns about patient control, credibility of information, and liability protections. The bill was also left pending. The committee also heard multiple psychedelic-therapy and drug-policy bills. HB 4813 would speed Texas rescheduling of Schedule I substances if the FDA reclassifies them, with testimony focused on psilocybin and MDMA and their potential use for PTSD and depression; members questioned whether the bill was too broad and how state rescheduling works, and it was left pending. HB 4014 would direct HHSC to study psychedelic therapies, building on prior state research, and witnesses said Texas should prepare regulatory and clinical infrastructure before FDA approval; it too was left pending. HB 2035 would require parents to be informed that they may seek substance-use treatment for a child even if one facility turns them away, prompted by a constituent’s account of a fatal fentanyl overdose after receiving incorrect advice; it was left pending. HB 4638 would extend and expand the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative board and timeline, with the author saying the program is still in early implementation and needs more time, and it was left pending as well. Other bills addressed public health administration and animal welfare. HB 3829 would require a study of the animal-friendly account and its grant process for spay/neuter funding, with the author arguing that the current application and reimbursement process is too burdensome for shelters and nonprofits; no opposition was heard and the bill was left pending. HB 2581 and HB 1639 were reported favorably, while HB 216 drew discussion about enforcement of itemized medical billing and was held after the committee substitute was withdrawn. Throughout the hearing, members also discussed broader concerns about homelessness, competency restoration waitlists, jail overcrowding, and the need for more treatment options outside the criminal justice system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before that time, I really didn't value the voter. I time, I really didn't value the voter.
• I time, I really didn't value the voter.
• just so happened to be one of the ones just so happened to be one of the ones that was inside the vehicle
• Now you that was inside the vehicle. Now you that was inside the vehicle.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Art generates economic activity,<00:18:20.400><c> value.</c> activity, value. activity, value.
• We say that is a New Hampshire value.
• We say that is a New Hampshire value.
• </c><00:31:35.039><c> I</c> value that we need to see in HB2. I value that we need to see in HB2.
• Uh thank you very introduces value.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• value.
• Teachers stay where they are valued.
• We need to value everybody equally.
• You know, the property values make us whole with property values.
• Okay, so that's the value.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is an important topic to me, but I think that this bill is not the right vehicle to address the
• So this is an important topic to me, but I think that this bill is not the right vehicle to address the
• So this is an important topic to me, but I think that this bill is not the right vehicle to address the
• So this is an important topic to me, but I think that this bill is not the right vehicle to address the
• So this is an important topic to me, but I think that this bill is not the right vehicle to address the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, starting on line 768, is changes for the motor vehicle registration tax.
• /c><00:26:18.400><c> for</c><00:26:18.560><c> the</c><00:26:18.800><c> motor</c><00:26:19.040><c> vehicle
• </c> uh is changes for the motor vehicle uh is changes for the motor vehicle registration<00:26:20.160

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a large bonding bill and reviewed the final spreadsheet of capital investments. Chairs and members repeatedly thanked staff, House and Senate negotiators, and the Governor’s team for a collaborative process. The bill was described as a statewide package rather than a partisan one, with major funding for higher education asset preservation, DNR projects, public safety, transportation, the Met Council, veterans facilities, corrections, DEED/local projects, and a large water infrastructure section. House Fiscal staff and Senate fiscal staff walked through the bill line by line. Highlights included University of Minnesota and Minnesota State asset preservation, education and language immersion school funding, DNR trail and flood mitigation projects, public safety facilities, local road and bridge grants, Met Council parks and I/I grants, veterans home and armory funding, corrections projects including the Faribault vocational expansion, and many local economic development and public facility projects across Greater Minnesota and the metro. The bill also included Public Facilities Authority water and wastewater grants, housing rehabilitation funding, historical society grants, a Minnesota Zoo operating transfer, airport appropriations, and several cancellations of prior appropriations to help finance the package. Members generally praised the bill and the bipartisan work behind it. Some Republicans emphasized the one-time license fee reduction and affordability, while also saying DEED’s business development infrastructure funding was too low. Senator Nelson highlighted long-awaited transportation projects such as Highway 14 and township roads. Senator Dibble supported the transportation investments but criticized the bill for having no transit funding, calling that a major omission. No vote was recorded in the excerpt, but the discussion centered on final review and support for moving the bonding bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's how all the requirements from transit have to go in, the vehicles, the whole thing.
• to</c><00:34:47.440><c> go</c><00:34:47.639><c> in,</c><00:34:47.919><c> the</c><00:34:48.040><c> vehicles
• ,</c><00:34:48.520><c> the</c> transit have to go in, the vehicles, the transit have to go in, the vehicles

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• non-driver ID, then the majority in this committee should be pressuring the Department of Motor Vehicles
• non-driver ID, then the majority in this committee should be pressuring the Department of Motor Vehicles
• non-driver ID, then the majority in this committee should be pressuring the Department of Motor Vehicles
• non-driver ID, then the majority in this committee should be pressuring the Department of Motor Vehicles

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Emissions from fossil-fuel vehicles are maybe a percentage of what they were in 1970 and continually
• Emissions from fossil-fuel vehicles are maybe a percentage of what they were in 1970 and continually
• Scott Cox on behalf of CalSTART, the Electric Vehicle Charging Association, Valley Cleaner Now, in opposition
• Even for the small segment of Californians who don't rely on a personal vehicle to get between their

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vehicle Laws—Ignition Interlock System Program Required Participation.
• Waldstreicher,</c> Senate Bill 345, Senator Waldstreicher, Senate Bill 345, Senator Waldstreicher, vehicle
• <00:30:51.520><c> manufacturers</c><00:30:52.200><c> and</c><00:30:52.320><c> dealers</c> vehicle manufacturers
• and dealers vehicle manufacturers and dealers dealing<00:30:52.960><c> unit</c><00:30:53.160><c> manufacturers

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 12, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Pastor Delman Coates, and received several guest introductions, including the doctor of the day, student visitors, homeschool advocates, community leaders, and the Braver Angels group. The chamber also journalized remarks welcoming Dr. Coates and recognized a prayer breakfast, with members offering brief thanks and acknowledgments before moving to legislative business. The Senate handled several messages and nominations, including withdrawal of an appointment, Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board nominations, and Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners nominations, all referred to Executive Nominations. The chamber also received House Bill 156 and an Executive Nominations Committee report recommending confirmation of a slate of appointments, which was special ordered for later consideration. A motion to return Senate Bill 463 to second reader and special order it for Tuesday was adopted without objection, and Senate Bill 473 was also special ordered for Tuesday. On third reading, the Senate passed a large number of bills, including measures on ignition interlock participation, school construction, port hearing notice, veteran status notation for educators, correctional officer scholarships, benefits exploitation, veterans trust fund applications, presidential electors, advance enrollment for children of active service members, retired law enforcement handgun permits, high-risk pregnancy discharge communication, charitable organization audit thresholds, child care criminal history checks, water pollution discharge permits, blockchain task force creation, franchise registration reform, licensing portability for foreign service members and spouses, Medicaid collaborative care cost-sharing, gift card fraud, school for the deaf board membership, vehicle dealer hearings, massage therapy advertising, protective body armor reporting, lithium-ion battery safety, pharmacy prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, human relevant research fund contributions, state and higher education email requirements, and auto insurance producer commissions. Most passed unanimously or by wide margins; Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 585 passed with 30 and 32 votes in favor, respectively. Senate Bill 140, concerning benefits exploitation, drew extended debate over constitutionality and pending litigation, with one senator citing an Attorney General opinion and another citing a Supreme Court case on neutral principles in church property disputes; the bill ultimately passed with 40 votes. Members later changed several votes on the floor, including on Senate Bills 172, 376, 428, and 48. The session ended while the clerk was beginning to read Senate Bill 629, with the remaining calendar not completed in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; they don't really want that power, so I would be fine to either retain the bill to use a future vehicle
• I would ask to reconsider my bill and we'll make that one, uh, we'll ITL that one or save it as a vehicle
• This was the one that Senator Forok basically said to refer or to kill, or to use as another vehicle.
• to<00:30:50.640><c> use</c><00:30:50.840><c> as</c><00:30:51.000><c> another</c><00:30:51.399><c> vehicle

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• growing demand for energy, where we need nuclear fuels, hydrocarbons, communication systems, electric vehicles
• domestic supply chain for critical minerals and materials, specifically focused on covering the entire value
• So we just didn't have to start looking into the economics, the cost, the value proposition, the emissions

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of this is to make sure, and I think it is aligned with our approach and values to the reorganization
• our money invested from HCD would have to wait to be used, and that decreases its overall impact and value
• We are looking to reduce vehicle miles traveled through this strategy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Summary: Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard two housing-related trailer bill items tied to the Governor’s reorganization plan. The first item would codify the creation of a new Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency structure; the second would further streamline the state housing finance system by creating a Housing Development and Finance Committee and reserving most private activity bond capacity for affordable housing. Administration officials said the changes are intended to reduce duplication, speed awards to construction, and make housing funding more predictable and efficient. Agency leaders described recent housing investments and implementation steps, including work groups, coordination with Finance, the Controller, and the Treasurer’s Office, and development of new guidelines and staffing. Members raised concerns about limited funding, the need for better program-by-program outcome data, youth homelessness, excess sites, and fraud prevention. The Interagency Council on Homelessness presented new three-year action plan metrics, including goals to increase exits from unsheltered homelessness to 70% and move more people into permanent housing, while also noting current performance data and quarterly public reporting. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no concerns with the first trailer bill, but supported the general concept of the second while recommending changes, including removing or revising the proposed 50% bond-cap floor for the new committee and adding attention to 9% and state tax credits. Public commenters, including local governments, nonprofit developers, housing authorities, and advocacy groups, largely supported the reorganization and streamlining goals, but several urged stronger protections for deeply affordable housing, earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, continued access to 9% credits, and more funding for housing programs. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair closed item one and moved to item two after member and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of this is to make sure, and I think it is aligned with our sort of approach and values to the reorganization
• our money invested from HCD would have to wait to be used, and that decreases its overall impact and value
• We are looking to reduce vehicle miles traveled through the strategy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you probably know him as someone who is lauded for his defense of traditional values and encouraging
• In a conservative state that values limited government and religious liberty, this bill represents a
• providing charitable and humanitarian aid aren't subject to felonies and aren't subject to having their vehicles

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard extensive testimony on HCR 23, a resolution calling for an Article V convention to propose congressional term limits. The bill’s sponsor and supporters argued that Congress is broken, term limits are broadly popular, and the states should use Article V pressure to force Congress to act. Supporters said the convention process is controlled by the states and ratification by 38 states is a strong safeguard. Opponents, including several Republican officials and private citizens, warned that an Article V convention is unpredictable, could exceed its intended scope, and could threaten the Constitution; they urged using elections instead. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to hold HCR 23 in committee by an 8-7 roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 764, which would prohibit organizations from knowingly transporting, harboring, or providing certain assistance to people unlawfully present in the United States, with language modeled on federal immigration law. The sponsor said the bill does not target immigrants themselves or ordinary charitable aid, but rather organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and related fraud, and argued the state can mirror existing federal prohibitions to support enforcement. Questions focused on how the bill would affect nonprofits, the meaning of “harboring,” and whether the bill improperly incorporates federal definitions. Testimony from the Idaho Food Bank and others opposed the bill, warning it could criminalize routine charitable work, create fear among volunteers, and be difficult to administer because of vague standards like “reckless disregard.” A Catholic witness said the bill would burden religious obligations to aid migrants regardless of status, while supporters maintained the bill would not interfere with lawful charity and would only reach knowing facilitation of illegal conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you probably know him as someone who is lauded for his defense of traditional values and encouraging
• Reverend Jenny Hurst concluded: "In a conservative state that values limited government and religious
• providing charitable and humanitarian aid aren't subject to felonies and aren't subject to having their vehicles

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Motor vehicle crashes result in nearly $22 billion in economic loss to the state, and excessive speeding
• I value the protections, professional support, and voice I have through my union, and I believe educators
• than on preschool classrooms and pediatric care, we must ask ourselves, who and what do we actually value

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will tell you it's been a difficult issue for our membership because they do highly value their CBTs
• Susie Stevens: ...issue for our membership because they do highly value their CBTs as a critical part
• people for whom it's a convenience—maybe their dog doesn't get in the car well or ride well in the vehicle

Bills: SB1021, SB1144, SB1164, SB1178, SB1181, SB1241, SB1247, SB1286, SB1415, SCR1011

Keywords: health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see the cranes, you can see the heavy equipment moving and vehicles.
• The first one, you know, I think we usually talk about value, quality, and cost.
• We have also been working on value-based programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we get $200 million, you know, there's money for vehicles and there's money for energy efficiency
• specifics on that. priorities to us and Albany and so if we get a 200 million you know there's money for vehicle

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance Committee and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation considered Governor Hochul’s nomination of Kathleen “Kathy” Moser to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Moser described her background in conservation and public lands, and said her priorities would include improving access and belonging for all New Yorkers, maintaining health and safety, modernizing infrastructure, addressing climate change and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with local governments, community groups, and the Legislature. Members questioned her on a range of park issues, including visitor fees, safety at swimming areas such as Lake Welch, security measures at parks, access for urban residents through nature buses and school transportation grants, maintenance and capital needs, event permitting, workforce recruitment and retention, and coordination around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Moser said the department has targeted capital and safety investments at popular parks, is installing fencing, lighting, cameras, and license plate readers at entrances at selected sites, and is planning extensive 250th commemoration programming and historic-site renovations. She also discussed efforts to expand community stewardship, including partner groups, culturally specific amenities like cricket fields, and outreach through traveling exhibits and social media. Senators raised concerns and suggestions about renewable energy siting, cell service in rural areas, invasive species prevention, and local infrastructure needs. After questioning concluded, the committees voted to advance the nomination, and the motion was reported to the Senate floor.