Video & Transcript : 'vendor rate' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25 - Part 2
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- advisory committee or subcommittee, to provide recommendations for the following: A dental payment rate
- A dental<00:04:25.600><c> payment</c><00:04:26.000><c> rate</c><00:04:26.320><c> structure</c><00:04:
- 26.720><c> that</c> dental payment rate structure that dental payment rate structure that promotes<00
- Those included low reimbursement rates, inconsistent care coordination, multiple prior authorization
- 22.000><c> care</c> reimbursement rates, inconsistent care reimbursement rates, inconsistent care coordination
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 01/05/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of um right now I've got five rate of um right now I've got five rate levels<00:20:01.360><c> to
- </c><00:41:27.920><c> user</c><00:41:28.240><c> tax</c> changes to a high rate user tax changes to a
- </c><00:58:41.440><c> that's</c> another state that is the rate that's another state that is the rate
- I do get rate. So, but Mr. Sing, does your father live in an apartment or in a home?
- So in the way I have it right now in my bill is that there would be five rates.
Summary:
The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies.
Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment.
Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (6-25-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> We continue to see an increasing rate of pediatric THC ingestions.
- It occurs at more than two to three times the rate of the other issues.
- It occurs at more than two to three times the rate of the other issues.
- </c><01:12:52.400><c> When</c> the rate of the other issues. When the rate of the other issues.
- </c><01:35:55.199><c> for</c> is to is to increase the uh rates for is to is to increase the uh rates
Summary:
The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call and a reminder that Kentucky had 8,641 children in out-of-home care with active placements as of June 1, 2025. The first presentation was from the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK), a donor-funded camp in Scottsville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s history, its year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medical and accessibility supports, and its impact on campers’ confidence and independence. They said CCK has served more than 43,000 campers from 46 states and 13 countries, including 22,000 from Kentucky, and noted plans to reach all 120 Kentucky counties.
CCK also outlined future capital needs: a new art barn and a medical lodge. The organization said the art barn project would cost $2.5 million, with a legislative request of $1.5 million, and the medical lodge would cost $2.875 million, with a legislative request of $1.75 million. Members responded very positively, with several praising the camp’s work and one member asking about operational challenges. CCK said its main challenges are awareness, staff and volunteer recruitment, and expanding medical and housing capacity; it also said it is accredited by the American Camp Association and receives health and safety visits and audits.
The committee then moved to a presentation on adult protective services and state guardianship programs from Jessica Wayne and Cliff Bryant of DCBS. They explained the legal framework for guardianship, the difference between full and limited guardianship/conservatorship, emergency appointments, and the state’s role as a last-resort guardian when no family member or private entity is available. They reported 4,464 individuals under state guardianship as of June 1, with most cases involving dementia, developmental disability, intellectual disability, nursing home or long-term care placement, severe mental illness, or brain injury. They also said the division has 89 field workers across 14 regional offices, with an average caseload of 52 and a goal of reducing that into the mid-40s through additional hiring.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences Aug 4th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- In this graph, we have the population on the X axis and the growth rate on the Y axis.
- And so in this graph, we have the population on the X axis and the growth rate on the Y axis.
- Interest rates were at or below the limit set by law, which is 2% above the prime rate.
- Between 2022 and 2025, three owners claimed four exemptions out of 18 possible, so this is a 22% uptake rate
- Then we used the combined state and local tax rates in King and Pierce counties to estimate total spending
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- With each call that they take, it can spike their heart rate and blood pressure, and think about this
- The national turnover rate is reported to be about 30%, with one in every five hires leaving within their
- The burnout rate is high, and the emotional and physical toll is real.
- They have suffered high rates of PTSD.
- Tree workers face significant risks, with fatality rates that are at least 15 times higher than the average
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems.
The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- requirements for condom or contraceptive purchases, students in low-income communities or areas with high STI rates
- In 2020, the suicide rate for young people in the Black community was nearly twice the rate of their
- percentage of overall student enrollment, yet they continue to be suspended at a disproportionately higher rate
- behind, especially low-income, Black, Latino, and English learner youth who enroll in college at lower rates
- behind, especially low-income, Black, Latino, and English learner youth who enroll in college at lower rates
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee.
SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations.
SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The recidivism rate is 7.5. In other words, 92.5 percent of them do not recidivate.
- The recidivism rate is 7.5.
- Today, 2026, to answer your question, Representative Rim, the recidivism rate in the Yavapai County Jail
- And we are always wanting to lower the recidivism rate out there.
- And we are always wanting to lower the recidivism rate out there.
Committee:
House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1655, which would have allowed qualified jurors to substitute temporary election work for jury service if summoned 90 to 120 days before an election. The Arizona Association of Counties opposed the bill, saying the timing would create major planning problems for county jury commissioners and courts, and that a better approach would be to excuse jury service only when election work overlaps the summons period. Members raised concerns about jury shortages, training, and whether the bill mixed two very different civic duties. The motion for a due pass recommendation failed on a 4-5 vote.
The committee then heard SB 1751 and SCR 1049, identical measures to expand Arizona’s execution methods to include firing squad and lethal gas, with the choice left to the person sentenced to death. Senator Payne argued the change was needed because Arizona has had repeated problems with hangings, gas chambers, and lethal injection, and said the firing squad option would be more reliable. Opponents, including a death penalty attorney and a corrections chaplain/former officer, argued the bill would increase suffering, litigation, costs, and trauma for corrections staff, and that the state should instead improve existing lethal injection procedures or reconsider the death penalty itself. After debate, both measures received due pass recommendations, with several members explaining split or reluctant votes.
The committee next considered a strike-everything amendment to SB 1317 that would appropriate opioid settlement remediation funds for county coordinated reentry planning services and a statewide database. Supporters from the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association and county sheriffs said the county jail reentry programs have reduced recidivism, helped people find housing and work, and should be expanded to more counties, with the database needed to track outcomes. Members asked about data, funding levels, and whether the opioid settlement money would be sufficient, but generally supported the concept. The strike-everything amendment was adopted, and SB 1317 as amended received a due pass recommendation on a 9-0 vote.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1656, which would change court procedures for appointing professional personnel in family court cases. A court representative’s written concerns were read into the record, arguing the bill duplicated existing practice, would add unnecessary depositions and recording requirements, could raise costs, and included provisions that were already available under current law. With no bill sponsor or outside speakers present to address those concerns, members expressed uncertainty and the bill failed to receive a due pass recommendation on a 3-6 vote. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking members and staff for the session.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- I think when we talk about AI, people usually think of employment rates.
- And employment rates, it is true that it has been falling since the creation of AI in 2022 and since
- Now, this is the graph of employment rates from 1989 to 1993.
- It may affect the overall employment rates currently, and it might go on a downward trend.
- The overall employment rates currently may go on a downward trend.
Committee:
All ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- folks' income, there's two big taxes left on the docket here in the House: one to increase the B&O rate
- some very shady budget gimmicks to balance, and then maybe worst of all assumed a very low growth rate
- no confidence that the Democrats will be able to curb their spending from a 15% per biennium growth rate
- down to a 2.2% growth rate, which means they're setting us up next year for another record-setting deficit
- College keeps getting whittled away, and Washington currently has one of the lowest college-going rates
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax on high earners, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans argued the income tax was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, would lead to capital flight and broader tax expansion, and was being rushed through without adequate public input. They also criticized the budget process as overspending revenues, relying on gimmicks, and setting up future deficits and tax increases.
The leaders said the House was preparing to consider a transportation bond bill requiring a three-fifths vote, along with bills on data centers, pharmaceutical wholesale taxes, K-12 funding, highway construction, direct electric vehicle sales, abortion-related funding, and an electric transmission measure. They said Democrats could pass the bond bill without Republican votes if all 59 House Democrats supported it, but Republicans opposed bonding for maintenance and preservation. They also said the budget could be balanced even if some of the tax bills failed.
Much of the discussion centered on the 24-hour House debate over the income tax, which Republicans said they extended to force daylight debate and highlight objections. They said the bill passed by two votes and that several Democrats privately opposed it. Republicans also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or the Working Families Tax Credit rather than special interests. In closing, they said House Republicans had been successful in opposite-house cutoff, killing 54% of Senate bills sent to the House and helping produce one of the lowest numbers of bills passed in years.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- folks' income, there's two big taxes left on the docket here in the House: one to increase the B&O rate
- some very shady budget gimmicks to balance, and then maybe worst of all, assumed a very low growth rate
- no confidence that the Democrats will be able to curb their spending from a 15% per biennium growth rate
- down to a 2.2% growth rate, which means they're setting us up next year for another record-setting deficit
- College keeps getting whittled away, and Washington currently has one of the lowest college-going rates
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax proposal, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans said the income tax was a major, rushed change to the tax code, argued it was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, and criticized Democrats for blocking referendum options and for what they described as a tax-first approach to affordability and budgeting. They also said the budget conference process was likely to produce another deficit and warned of future tax increases if spending is not restrained.
On transportation, Republicans discussed a bond bill needed to support the transportation budget and noted it requires a three-fifths vote in the House, which Democrats could reach on their own. They said they generally support maintenance and preservation but are skeptical of bonding for those purposes. They also identified other bills likely to move at the end of session, including a data center tax, a wholesale pharmaceutical tax, a K-12 funding bill, a highway construction bill, a direct electric vehicle sales bill, and an electric transmission bill.
Republicans repeatedly framed the income tax as a “millionaires tax” that could later expand to more taxpayers, and said the 24-hour floor debate was intended to slow the process and force daylight scrutiny. They also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or other public needs rather than special interests. In closing, Stokesbary said House Republicans had defeated a majority of Senate bills sent to the House and had helped stop several major Democratic priorities, including an agriculture unionization bill and other tax and regulatory measures.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So give me a rating, leave me a five-star review. But I’m Lance Sayers, and I’m on the policy.
- So give me a rating, leave me a five-star review.
- Senator Taves continued: "The actual adoption rates are much lower than suggested, the suggested doubling
- The actual adoption rates are based on economic factors—people having the economic means to actually
- This isn't changing tax rates or tax amount owed.
Committee:
Senate Local Government and Taxation
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- in Commerce, but it allows them to freeze those taxes for up to 20 years, so they'll pay the same rate
- But it allows them to freeze those taxes for up to 20 years, so they'll pay the same rate, or sorry,
- Of course, the unit will be set right at the HUD table price rate, but... between line 6 and 7 this is
- Of course, the unit will be set right at the HUD table price rate, but...
- right, is an apartment complex would negotiate with the county or the city to set it at a certain rate
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 310, which would appropriate $1 million to continue planning and development for a Lowrider Museum in Española. The sponsor said the project had already received prior capital outlay support and that the new funding would help complete the study and planning phase for a future world-class museum. Members asked about the increase from prior funding levels and discussed the broader cultural and economic value of the museum. The bill received a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Memorial 51, which addresses the economic and community impacts of ending civil immigration detention in affected rural counties. Sponsors said the memorial would call for planning around workforce retraining, economic diversification, community services, and possible repurposing of detention facilities. Testimony and discussion focused on the short-term harm to workers and local economies, the role of Workforce Solutions, and concerns about family disruption, housing, property tax revenue, and whether facilities might close or be repurposed. The memorial passed on a 7-0 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 194, which would expand the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code to support housing shortage areas and workforce housing through property tax freezes and related incentives. The sponsor and Apartment Association representative described the bill as a tool to increase missing-middle housing, with affordability requirements, voucher acceptance, audits, and reporting provisions. Members raised concerns that the amendment was very large and difficult to absorb in the committee timeframe, and several said they preferred to see it as a substitute bill. No motion was made to adopt the amendment, HB 194 was rolled, and HB 323 was also rolled because the sponsor was unavailable. The committee then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Jan 27th, 2026 at 09:00 am
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- They have a 90% completion rate in the last few years that they received special appropriations.
- They have about a 90% completion rate over the past two years, so they are eligible.
- ensure certain things like project readiness, those kind of things, so that in terms of ranking and rating
- of that orderly process and more of a pragmatic approach, they're able to achieve a 90% completion rate
- of that orderly process and more of a pragmatic approach, they're able to achieve a 90% completion rate
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jan 19th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We cannot be cutting funding for programs that are critical to our graduation rate and making people
- These virtual programs don't graduate students; I think their graduation rate is like 5%.
- So we talked about 81-20 for the next year's funding, and the growth rate is based upon the 40th day.
- You'll see proficiency rates for the last three years for every school district and charter school.
- It's all your proficiency rates. Thank you. Other questions? Thank you, Director. What's next, Mr.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- We were so proud that the governor announced yesterday a 92.2% graduation rate.
- Well, this year our graduation rate is over 92%.
- This year, California's graduation rate is right around 83%.
- In the last seven years, our third-grade reading rate has gone up 26% while the state has stayed flat
- Congratulations on your A rating.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to hear the governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget recommendations for education from the Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education. Shelby Salmons and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis outlined the governor’s proposed $117.4 billion state budget, including about $32.5 billion for education, with major emphasis on public schools and early learning. The presentation highlighted a $30.6 billion K-12 budget, a $486 million VPK program, continued funding for VPK Summer Bridge, TEACH, HIPPY, and Help Me Grow, as well as increases for teacher pay, base student allocation, mental health, school safety, civics education, and school hardening initiatives. The commissioner also cited a 92.2% statewide graduation rate and Florida’s national rankings in education and education freedom.
Senators used the question period to raise concerns about counselor staffing, mental health services, school closures, school choice oversight, the Guardian Program, data reporting, and school capacity. Senator Jones asked about counselor ratios, school closures in historically Black communities, and whether school choice schools are properly monitored for safety and instructional quality. Senator Osgood argued that mental health funding should support more clinical services on campuses, not just academic counselors, and Senator Bradley asked whether the centralized data repository includes scholarship students. Senator Gates praised the civics and debate funding and asked for more detail on the Guardian Program’s performance; the commissioner said 53 of 67 districts participate and described it as a successful safety option with sheriffs approving training. Senators Simon and Osgood also pressed for better use of the FISH report and more accurate space data to understand school capacity and right-sizing.
During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district is an A-rated district with no D or F schools, but spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding. She said Florida’s mental health staffing ratio is about one counselor per 2,203 students, compared with a recommended one per 1,106, and urged the committee to consider funding full-day VPK statewide, estimating it would cost about $375 million. Committee members followed up on her comments about local flexibility and whether districts can shift funds to meet needs. The meeting ended after members thanked DOE and executive branch staff for the presentation, and the committee adjourned without taking any substantive vote on legislation.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Nov 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- year because, as you all know, Tampa and Hillsborough County are really growing at an exceptional rate
- Our NCLEX score, as stated by Roger, is 97.5, and I can't tell you what our graduation rate is right
- For the passing rate? I believe it is 95 percent. Terrific. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- For the passing rate? I believe it is 95 percent. Terrific. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- Hollis's statement that we only have an 80 percent NCLEX passage rate.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda.
Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions.
After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Feb 27th, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Small load rate payers and again our goal and kind of socializing those costs across across the grid
- The bill establishes a minimum transmission rate that must be paid by loads served. behind the meter
- The bill also orders the commission to re-evaluate four CPs. methodology for setting transmission rates
- Is the minimum transmission rate that we're talking about here?
- Minimum transmission rate. 752 think the industry might answer one way, they might say we don't believe
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So what it could potentially be affected by was if the match rate at the federal and state government
- It could be affected by that change because it's based on the match rate.
- And so if the match rates were to change, yes, it could be affected.
- /c> portion of that match and so if the portion of that match and so if the match<00:18:34.400><c> rates
- were to change yes it could match rates were to change yes it could be<00:18:36.320><c> affected</c>
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members, announced a 24-hour rule for committee amendments, and reviewed basic meeting procedures. After roll call confirmed a quorum, members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The chair also recognized Representative Thomas for his service to the committee and presented remarks of appreciation as he moved into other duties.
The committee then considered House Bill 191, which would extend burial eligibility in Kentucky state veterans cemeteries to certain National Guard and Reserve members who were honorably discharged but never activated under Title 10. Testimony from Rep. Aaron Thompson and KDVA officials explained that the bill aligns with the federal Burial Guard Reserve Act of 2022 and would cover some long-serving Guard and Reserve members, including those who served during disasters such as the Eastern Kentucky floods and western Kentucky tornadoes. Members voiced support, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation after adoption of a title amendment.
Next, the committee took up House Bill 152, which would create a supplemental Medicaid payment program for public EMS agencies through voluntary intergovernmental transfers, with no general fund dollars used. Rep. Michael Meredith and EMS chiefs testified that the measure would help public agencies recover more of the cost of Medicaid transports; one example cited was a local agency that could increase reimbursement substantially under the program. In response to questions, witnesses said the existing program for public and private agencies is mandatory, while this bill creates an additional voluntary enhancement for public agencies only, and that the program could be affected if Medicaid match rates change. The committee approved the bill with a favorable recommendation and a title amendment. The meeting ended with announcements about Military Kids Day on February 25 and a Kentucky National Guard Association reception and dinner on February 15, followed by adjournment.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The focus there... they do see that that can also help with our graduation rates.
- It says the Family Income Index rate means percentage of men.
- Are those a similar rate? Have they...? A change to what was calculated before. Mr.
- Right, because of birth rates.
- Of course, you see this natural sort of downslope that has less to do with birth rates and more to do
Committee:
House House Education
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They would recover that cost through rates.
- And their only option is to raise rates in most cases, right?
- And their only option is to raise rates in most cases, right?
- The rooftops are needing help to try to get those tax rates down.
- Representative Alders, your question was what the rate of recharge is.
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session.
Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties.
TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.