Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pratt, thank you. amendment? Senator Pratt, thank you.
• </c> Senator Pratt on the A25 amendment. Senator Pratt on the A25 amendment.
• </c> Chair, Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• </c> Pratt. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Pratt. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• :57:44.559><c> thank</c><00:57:44.720><c> you</c> Senator Pratt, Senator Pratt, thank you Senator Pratt

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the, remember, I'm looking at Senator Alvarado, remember with Hurricane Harvey, there was some
• The theme of buyouts kind of came from the Harvey era. There's a trend.
• Nelson was chair, and I'm sure Senator Kolkhorst and Senator Bettencourt remember this about Hurricane Harvey
• So the Harvey experience was a good indicator; year, year and a half we were beginning to get relief
• I've been through Harvey, I've been through Ike. We have a lot of guys with.

Bills: SB3, SB 3

Keywords: disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Scott</c> Uh, Eric Pratt representing Scott Uh, Eric Pratt representing Scott County.<00:01:50.720
• Oh, repres uh Senator Pratt. Thank What? Oh, repres uh Senator Pratt.
• Senator Pratt. Well, thank you, Mr. Senator Pratt. Well, thank you, Mr.
• </c> Pratt, I completely agree with you. Pratt, I completely agree with you.
• </c> Senator Pratt on that. Senator Pratt on that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Harvey is still funded at $100,000 in general funds right now.
• Harvey. She reaches out to us, asks what we need.
• Harvey and the return on investment.
• Miss Harvey is still finding success.
• She worked really well with Miss Harvey.

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:05:18.960><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt. I. I. I.
• Senator<00:09:12.840><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Senator<00:59:15.560><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Senator Pratt. other questions. Senator Pratt.
• &gt;&gt; Pratt,<01:19:49.320><c> follow?</c> &gt;&gt; Pratt, follow? &gt;&gt; Pratt, follow?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> do we see that so Mr chair and Sen Pratt do we see that so Mr chair and Sen Pratt I<00:04:49.000
• </c> is sen co uh Mr chair and senator Pratt is sen co uh Mr chair and senator Pratt I<00:21:29.240><
• </c><00:24:02.520><c> as</c> direct your attention Senator Pratt as direct your attention Senator Pratt
• Further discussion, Senator Pratt?
• Senator Pratt: Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and Senator Pratt.
• Chair and Senator Pratt.
• Chair and Senator Pratt. Uh so Miss, Mr. Chair and Senator Pratt.
• Chair and Senator Pratt.
• </c> Senator Pratt. The answer is no. Senator Pratt. The answer is no.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were tremendous in Harvey.
• Chairman, if I could just say this, because I have to express it: You know me and Harvey—I can still
• And like you said, we had many volunteers during Harvey. came ashore.
• In Harvey, down in Rockport-Fulton, Aransas County, and Port A, we weren't looking for bodies; we were
• Are we... do you go back with me to Harvey? You were domiciled inside of DPS.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Harvey. Harvey. Harvey. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.
• Representative<01:42:29.280><c> Harvey.</c> Representative Harvey. Representative Harvey.
• Representative Harvey. Representative Harvey. Um, so I'm sorry.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Representative Harvey. &gt;&gt; Representative Harvey.
• Representative<05:26:59.440><c> Harvey,</c> Representative Harvey, Representative Harvey, &gt;&gt; sorry

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:35:30.720><c> no</c> no representative Harvey no no representative Harvey no representative<02
• </c> representative Harvey representative Harvey no<02:45:32.600><c> representative</c><02:45:33.080>
• Harvey Harvey yes<02:51:11.880><c> representative</c><02:51:12.560><c> Manos</c><02:51:13.720><c> yes
• </c> representative Harvey representative Harvey yes<04:33:29.000><c> representative</c><04:33:29.520
• </c> yes representative Harvey yes representative Harvey yes<05:11:45.718><c> representative</c><05:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on HB 584, which would bar New Hampshire and its political subdivisions from enforcing mandates, orders, or similar directives from the World Health Organization, United Nations, or World Economic Forum. Prime sponsor Representative Green described the bill as a sovereignty measure and offered an amendment to clarify language, including replacing a reference to entities that “create and enforce policies” with language covering enforcement of policies, mandates, orders, requirements, edicts, or directives. Supporters argued the bill was a preemptive safeguard against outside influence and cited concerns about pandemic-era public health measures and international organizations. Opponents, including the American Heart Association, warned it could chill local policymaking and limit the ability of communities to use outside research or guidance. The chair closed the hearing on HB 584 after testimony concluded. The committee then moved to HB 580-FN, relative to retaliatory defamation in domestic violence and sexual violence cases. Representative Anita Burroughs, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect people who report sexual assault, sexual harassment, abuse, or domestic violence from retaliatory defamation suits, so long as statements are made in good faith and without malice. She also said the bill preserves the ability of accused persons to defend their names. Burroughs explained that the proposal was prompted by a survivor’s experience and was meant to address the chilling effect of expensive litigation on reporting misconduct. Testimony on HB 580 was generally supportive. Witnesses said the bill would help survivors speak out without fear of meritless lawsuits and described retaliatory defamation as a tool used to silence or intimidate accusers. Burroughs noted the bill was informed by anti-SLAPP principles and referenced high-profile defamation cases as examples of the cost and pressure of litigation. No vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided; the hearing on HB 580 was opened and testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:31:21.000><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Chair and Senator Pratt. Um let me Mr. Chair and Senator Pratt.
• Senator<00:37:12.280><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Senator Pratt, it was not. Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• </c> Senator Senator Senator Pratt. Pratt. Pratt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Go ahead, Senator Pratt.
• </c> Senator Pratt and Senator Johnson. Senator Pratt and Senator Johnson.
• Chair, Senator Pratt.
• Chair, Senator Pratt. I I thank you, Mr. Chair, Senator Pratt.
• Senator<01:18:07.320><c> Pratt.</c><01:18:08.120><c> Aye.</c> Senator Pratt. Aye. Senator Pratt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senator Pratt. Um &gt;&gt; Yes, Mr. Chairman, Senator Pratt.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:42:31.200><c> Pratt.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt. &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:48:16.600><c> Pratt.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt. &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:48:40.120><c> Pratt.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt. &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt.
• Senator<01:06:09.800><c> Pratt,</c> Senator Pratt, Senator Pratt, &gt;&gt; Um,<01:06:10.840><c> thank

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; uh Senator Pratt &gt;&gt; uh Senator Pratt &gt;&gt; uh &gt;&gt; uh &gt;&gt; uh I<00:41:
• Senator Pratt. Uh thank &gt;&gt; Chair Champion. Senator Pratt.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Uh Senator Pratt, any followup? Nope. &gt;&gt; Uh Senator Pratt, any followup? Nope.
• Senator<00:46:22.720><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Senator Pratt you get any additional Senator Pratt you get any additional information<01:04:10.000><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Harvey, you've got to say your name, position, and begin. Yes, good afternoon. Thank you, Mr.
• I'm Julia Harvey on behalf of Texas Electric Cooperatives.
• Harvey, you've got to say your name, position, and begin. Yes, good afternoon. Thank you, Mr.
• I'm Julia Harvey on behalf of Texas Electric Cooperatives.
• Julia Harvey represents the co-ops, which are rural.

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

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 Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees. Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:09:12.000><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr. &gt;&gt; Mr. Chair. Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Pratt. further as well. Senator Pratt. Thank<00:39:56.840><c> you,</c><00:39:56.920><c> Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and Senator Pratt, Mr.
• Senator Pratt. Well, anybody mentioned. Senator Pratt.
• Senator Champion, Senator Pratt, no.
• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• <00:55:20.960><c> Senator</c><00:55:21.359><c> Pratt.</c> bill? Senator Pratt. bill? Senator Pratt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pratt.
• </c><00:42:18.720><c> Senator</c><00:42:18.920><c> Pratt.</c> Further discussion. Senator Pratt.
• Senator<01:14:58.240><c> Pratt.</c> Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt, continue. &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt, continue.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<01:20:42.680><c> Pratt.</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt. &gt;&gt; Senator Pratt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• Chair and Senator Pratt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr. President, members.
• Senator Pratt, were you looking to be recognized before we vote?
• Senator Pratt. Pratt. Pratt.
• </c> Pratt Pappas Pizza Parks Party. Pratt Pappas Pizza Parks Party.
• ><c> Party</c> Pratt, Pappas, Parks, Pizza Party Pratt, Pappas, Parks, Pizza Party Palooza.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all