Transcript Highlights:

• It's been amazing. invested and our insurance guy that came invested and our insurance guy that came
• <00:43:58.480> option a it's just a private um program option a it's just a private um program
• guardrails they want for this program. guardrails they want for this program.
• are not alone under these EWA programs are not alone under federal<01:02:20.720> law.
• And so I think those are the kinds of organizations that we should really be investing in.

Bills: HF2400, HF1724, HF3437, HF4333, HF2874, HF4052

Keywords: real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care

Transcript Highlights:

• There is going to be some need for money investments, obviously, to get some startup programs going.
• A&M's current end-of-residency program with DTA?
• It represents a strategic investment in the educational and economic future... of Texas.
• and funding under the Foundation School Program for certain school districts.
• It does not require a university to develop and implement a study abroad program.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a large agenda and repeatedly recessed for floor activity and other committee conflicts. The committee heard and left pending several higher education bills, including SB 2361 to transfer University of Houston-Victoria from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System and rename it Texas A&M University Victoria; testimony from university officials, local leaders, and industry representatives strongly supported the move as a way to better align degree programs with regional workforce needs in engineering, agriculture, and STEM. SB 530, which would align Texas accreditation statutes with federal rules allowing institutions to choose among nationally recognized accreditors, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. SB 1085, allowing Sul Ross satellite campuses to offer lower-division coursework toward bachelor’s degrees, was laid out and left pending as well. The committee also took up a series of education policy bills. SB 1241 would expand the standardized tests Texas public universities may accept for admission beyond the SAT and ACT, with supporters from the Classic Learning Test, homeschool advocates, and student-choice groups arguing it would increase access and competition; it was left pending. SB 769 would require a TEA/Higher Education Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education, and testimony from The Arc of Texas and others emphasized the need for better data and accessibility; the bill was left pending. SB 2231 would designate the second week of October as Free College Application Week, and SB 1878 would modernize terminology and support workforce-oriented programs at the Josie School; both were laid out and left pending. The committee reported several bills favorably after adopting committee substitutes. SB 605, concerning charter school expansion applications while under conservatorship or a management team, passed on a 9-0 vote. SB 1871, SB 1873, and SB 1874, all related to school discipline and teacher immunity/placement review provisions, were adopted and reported favorably, with members noting the need for further discussion on some language. SB 762, dealing with flag displays in public schools, passed on a 7-1 vote. SB 1962, relating to public school accountability and challenges to school system operations, passed 7-1 after a corrected vote. SB 1750, replacing a $60 million statewide charter facilities cap with an attendance-growth-based allotment, passed 7-1 with one member voting present not voting. SB 2252, supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy/numeracy, SB 2253, concerning educator preparation and certification, SB 2365, on student use of wireless devices during instructional time, and SB 1924, restoring local peace officer citation authority for school offenses and adding reporting and parent-notification requirements, were also reported favorably. The committee additionally heard SB 37 on higher education governance and compliance oversight, which passed 7-1 after a substitute that refined curriculum review, governing board authority, faculty senate rules, and a new compliance office within the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this creates the Oklahoma Dream Accounts Investment Program, which is meant to coordinate with
• That Invest in Oklahoma board is already a set up program that's already being used. Follow up.
• program. Thank you for that.
• program.
• I know that we have invested heavily in this program.

Bills: HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4033, HB4034, HB4035, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4039, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4044, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4049, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4065, HB4067, HB4071, HB4072, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176

Keywords: education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• In the language, it's a pilot program.
• And a lot of people have invested money in that.
• House Bill 2110 requires the sitcom program pilot program to follow the same rules set by the agency
• for the implementation of the federal rural health transformation program.
• This is the loan program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You're now recognized.

Bills: HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4033, HB4034, HB4035, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4039, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4044, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4049, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4065, HB4067, HB4071, HB4072, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4033, HB4034, HB4035, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4039, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4044, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4049, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4065, HB4067, HB4071, HB4072, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176

Keywords: education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• So this here House File 1701 would be a grant program for a Minnesota-made fertilizer program, and so
• Minnesota fertilizer grant program Minnesota fertilizer grant program Minnesota<00:17:44.400>
• maid grant program established Minnesota maid grant program established and<00:17:46.480> the
• <00:37:03.520> grant<00:37:04.079> program investment grant program investment grant program
• This program also provides ESL programs to adults on the backside.

Bills: HF1621, HF1701, HF1796, HF1676, HF40, HF1428, HF1540

Keywords: HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Capital Investment Committee for May 6th is called to order. A quorum is present.
• Previous to being on Capital Investment, I did not know the needs of the state, and the tours really
• I've been learning quite a bit, and speaking about capital investment right now, there's probably somebody
• The old name for capital investment was public works, and I sometimes think that's a better name because
• With that, members, at this time, any future meetings at the Capital Investment Committee, this is a

Bills: HF719, HF2484, HF2486

Keywords: safety, school transportation, infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, library construction, education funding, early childhood, child protection, funding, bonds, education facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Texas is facing a growing and long-term need for water infrastructure investment.
• We've invested over $1 billion in projects.
• I expect us to see many times the amount of investment return on investment (ROI) from this.
• Now is the time for Texas to invest in this opportunity and to start.
• and business. investments, business collaborations, and technology exchanges.

Bills: HB 1240, HB1353, HCR76, HCR90

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, international cooperation, infrastructure investment, bond issuance, state agencies, shrimp industry, federal regulations, foreign imports, economic impact, public health, Gulf Coast communities, Texas-Israel relations, Israel, Jerusalem, trade office, foreign relations

Bills: HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB416, HB482, HB610, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB979, HB992, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, phased retirement, Teachers Retirement System, faculty retention, administrative fees, public postsecondary education, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, judicial salaries, judges, judiciary compensation, cost of living adjustment, COLA

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically what we are looking at is a way to invest in our water infrastructure, water and wastewater
• Basically what we are looking at is a way to invest in our water infrastructure, water and wastewater
• So then, since this is a loan program rather than a grant program, they can qualify for the loan and
• Um, the dairy Services program falls under, we help regulate that.

Bills: SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield, aquifer management, water allocation, water permits, temporary permits, irrigation

Transcript Highlights:

• program up, we uh came up with a program program up, we uh came up with a program called<00:07:44.840
• Road Program.
• The Transportation Alternative Program is a federally funded program.
• And it is a good program.
• It It's a great program.<00:48:32.680> It<00:48:32.880> It program. It It program.

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:55 Bridge Improvement Program 18:56 County Priority Projects Program 38:10 Transportation Alternative Program 51:47 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for the first interim meeting of the 2025 Budget Review Committee on Transportation and heard from Bobby Jo Lewis, commissioner of Rural and Municipal Aid at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. She reviewed the new County City Bridge Improvement Program, created in the 2024 regular session, reporting that phases one and two are complete, 45 bridges have been funded so far, and about $18.45 million has been authorized. She said roughly $6.549 million remains for phase three in the current fiscal year, with about $26.445 million in bridge applications still pending. For fiscal year 2026, the program will again have $25 million and will use four application phases. She also described a training resource, Local Bridges 101, and said a new executive advisor, Greg Meredith, has been brought in to help with the bridge program. Members asked how rollover applications would be handled, whether they would be re-evaluated with new applications, how the program would account for bridge longevity and load posting, and how isolated communities would be prioritized. Lewis said applicants not funded in FY25 would be contacted and could choose to roll their applications into FY26, and all applications would be evaluated together at the end of each phase. She said preservation projects are assessed for how much they extend a bridge’s life, and isolated community access bridges or closed bridges with no detour access receive priority. She also said the department aims for equitable distribution across regions and plans to produce a map showing where funds have been awarded. Lewis then turned to the County Priority Projects Program and the Local Assistance Road Program established in House Bill 546 and related resolutions. She said the application cycle opened June 1 and closes October 1, with 106 memoranda of agreement being prepared for awards in House Joint Resolution 46. She described updated application and reporting forms, a scoring matrix, and a County City Pavement Evaluation Manual used to rate projects based on preservation of assets, average daily traffic, recent improvements, safety, cost, and district priority. She said projects must be rehabilitation projects designed to restore the original condition of the road, cannot exceed $500,000, and must use local match percentages tied to the economic development grant program formula. She also reported on funding status for prior road projects, including completed, partially completed, pending, and underrun amounts that may be reauthorized. Committee members asked about photo documentation, online access to project materials, how to measure whether projects truly restore roads to original condition, and what happens when project costs exceed estimates. Lewis said the department is still working on how best to store and share the large volume of photos, and that projects are certified through district offices and local sign-off after completion. She said overages are the responsibility of the applicant because the state does not have additional money beyond the awarded amount. No formal votes were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The main thing that the state does is it doesn't create a state-run program or mandate the use of gold
• This bill will allow the state treasurer to invest up to 10% in gold and silver.
• He says gold can play an important role in diversifying long-term investment portfolios.

Bills: HB2123, HB2140

Keywords: bullion, depository, legal tender, Arizona, finances, precious metals, financial transactions, investment, state treasurer, gold bullion, treasury management, financial regulations, 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Oversight heard two bills from Representative Lisa Fink related to gold and silver. HB 2123 would create an Arizona Bullion Depository under the State Treasurer, allow a third-party administrator and vault services, require insurance for deposits, and recognize gold and silver as legal tender. Fink and a supporter testified that the bill would make bullion more practical for everyday use through a debit-card-style system, provide an inflation hedge, and expand access beyond wealthy investors. During committee discussion, one member voted present because of the bill’s rulemaking language, while others voted yes; the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 4-0-1 vote. The committee then considered HB 2140, which would allow state and local governments to store bullion in the depository, authorize the State Treasurer to place up to 10% of state monies in bullion, and require the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions to adopt rules. Fink argued the bill would diversify state assets and protect against inflation and counterparty risk, citing Utah’s treasurer and constitutional support for gold and silver. A member asked whether the rulemaking provision could be removed, and Fink said she was open to discussing that with the treasurer. With no public testimony, the committee approved HB 2140 on a 4-0-1 vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to be them on programs.
• . programs. programs.
• . program. program.
• Um, when the legislature renewed this program during the 2023 session, um program payment amounts were
• that year are eligible for the program. that year are eligible for the program.

Bills: HF3474, HF3475, HF3508

Keywords: agriculture, funding, research, agricultural institute, state appropriations, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment, relief initiative, farm support, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] The Capital Investment Committee for May 6 is called to order. A quorum is present.
• I've been learning quite a bit and speaking about capital investment right now.
• I've been learning quite a bit and speaking about capital investment right now.
• And so, uh, just, you know, the old name for capital investment was public works.
• And so, uh, just, you know, the old name for capital investment was public works.

Bills: HF719, HF2484, HF2486

Keywords: safety, school transportation, infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, library construction, education funding, early childhood, child protection, funding, bonds, education facilities, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The money will go for different things, and one of them is an indigent burial program that they have.

Bills: SB44, SB134, SB1378, SB1400, SB1403, SB1832, SB2018, SB2143

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, Olympics, funding, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, local businesses, revolving fund, event hosting, sales tax, tax exemption, tax refund, Oklahoma Sales Tax Code

Transcript Highlights:

• create a state deferred maintenance fund; identify possible funding source, including the Strategic Investment
• And the ninth, uh, restore some funding for Prairie Public Broadcasting for local programming, amount
• This relates to the county social services program in the Department of Health and Human Services.
• And so there is $250 million of oil taxes set aside for that program.
• So only $232 million needs to be transferred for the county social services program in DHS.

Bills: HB1015

Keywords: Office of Management and Budget, OMB appropriation, state budget, biennial appropriation, North Dakota Century Code, state facility maintenance fund, capital improvements, Capitol building fund, governor's residence, state hospital, mental health hospital, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, strategic investment and improvements fund, SIIF, new and vacant FTE pool, state employee pay raise, performance-based compensation, guardianship grants, community corrections

Summary: The Government Operations Division met to review proposed amendments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) budget, with the chair noting the bill would not be voted out that day and would likely be held until the following week for any technical corrections. Members discussed a series of amendments, generally without objection: a $1.5 million appropriation for a pro-life education committee; a $40,000–$45,000 deficiency appropriation for Uniform Laws travel costs; creation of a state deferred maintenance fund with $40 million for deferred maintenance projects; adding the state hospital project to the OMB budget with $200 million from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIF) and $85 million from a line of credit, plus construction management oversight; $110,114 for custodial equity increases; $1 million for a retirement incentive pool; $3 million to cover a shortfall in the new and vacant FTE funding pool; and $4 million for space reconfiguration and rent/moving costs. Prairie Public Broadcasting was also discussed, with a suggestion to change the purpose from local programming to infrastructure and set the amount at $850,000, likely as one-time SIF funding. The committee also heard a heads-up about a possible $180,000 federal reimbursement issue tied to an education grant, but no action was taken on that item. The committee further discussed a broader amendment to reduce the transfer from the social services fund to the human services fund from $250 million to $232 million, based on DHS needs and available carryover funding. Members also agreed to add emergency clauses to the capital assets, deferred maintenance, and moving/space reconfiguration items. The chair indicated Brady could begin incorporating the discussed changes into a consolidated amendment, while noting there could still be additional items next week. Staff also reported the SIF balance was about $280 million positive, though some removed agency items, including airport grants, would need to be considered. The committee then reconsidered its earlier action on House Bill 1581 and restored it to its original form at $100,000 after hearing that the funding would support tribal tourism-related events tied to upcoming 2026 celebrations and the Theodore Roosevelt Library opening. A motion for do pass on the bill as originally introduced passed unanimously by roll call. Finally, the committee postponed action on another bill until later that day, directing that revised materials be distributed and that the item be taken up in the afternoon session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program was.
• For 70 years, the small business administration's flagship lending program, the 7A program, has provided
• in the 7A program.
• And we invest a lot of time.
• Community Advantage Program? The Advantage Program gave us $250,000.

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will often say about investments, I don't ...
• I'm not an investment expert and I typically say I don't play one on TV, but today is an exception.
• returns is they phase in the investment returns is they do<00:13:54.000> so<00:13:54.160>
• returns different but our investment returns different but our investment philosophies<00:20:11.440
• Uh, it's just really, are there investment policies online?

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 01:02 Approval of Minutes: 02:03 Annual Investment Review: 04:10 Adjournment: 37:34, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, welcomed new staff member Sean Parks, and announced that it would not meet in November. The next meeting was scheduled for December 8 at 10:00 a.m., with the chair noting that pension bills would be heard then and emphasizing that all pension bills must go through the full process and include actuarial analysis. Brad Gross of the Public Pension Oversight Board presented a detailed review of Kentucky retirement systems’ investments and funding. He said fiscal year 2025 ended with about $50.5 billion in pension assets and $12.52 billion in retiree health assets, both up from the prior year. He reported strong investment performance across the systems, with all Kentucky public pension funds exceeding their policy benchmarks and the median peer return of 10.4%. He also discussed long-term return trends, asset allocation differences among the systems, fee levels, and cash flow, noting that cash flow remains a key monitoring issue and that supplemental appropriations have improved the cash position of some funds, especially the Kentucky State Police and TRS systems. Gross also explained that assumed rates of return have generally fallen over time, which increases unfunded liabilities and required contributions, and said the systems’ current assumptions range from 5.25% to 7.1%. He noted that the committee’s materials included peer comparisons and historical charts, and that all asset classes were within target ranges. In response to a question from Senator Funky From, Gross was asked about pension spiking and whether supplemental general fund contributions could create a false sense of security in cash flow analysis; the question was raised but not resolved in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hours depending on the program.
• The program for children in foster care.
• It also requires reimbursement for diabetes prevention programs.
• This would be an investment in our Texas families.
• Harris County was one of the pilot programs many years ago.

Bills: HB231, HB231, HB475, HB488, HB632, HB821, HB1786, HB1955, HB2036, HB2060, HB2659, HB2677

Keywords: HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• and launched a new state-funded program.
• Yes, it is a federal waiver program. Okay, well, you would know. Thank you very much.
• Cancer Screening Program.
• Roughly half a million patients were enrolled in these programs in fiscal year 2023.
• While the state-based women's health programs serve a lot more Texans than they did when the WAC was

Bills: HB231, HB475, HB488, HB632, HB821, HB1786, HB1955, HB2036, HB2060, HB2659, HB2677, HB231

Keywords: food access, food deserts, communities of color, health disparities, socioeconomic impact, nutritious food, health effects, socioeconomic disparities, legislative recommendations, nutrition, access to food, Medicaid, multisystemic therapy, healthcare, reimbursement, mental health services, education, funding, local control, school system

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• <00:09:14.240> um density program are the two programs um density program are the two programs
• So this program is a program that I’m hoping to take advantage of as I myself shop for land. program
• <01:18:58.400> time, program, this new program over time, program, this new program over time
• the program. Thank you. the program. Thank you.

Bills: HF3508, HF3548, HF3549

Keywords: dairy assistance, agriculture, investment, relief initiative, farm support, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, 1183, house