Transcript Highlights:

• An excise tax of 11% of the retail sales price of kratum products is established.
• The tax of 11% of the retail sales price of kratum products is established.
• It adds a wholesaler distributor requirement applicable to retailers.
• their identification for verification by the retailer using a digital device or application.
• Well, there is not really a current requirement for a budtender permit at the retail store.

Bills: HB2291, HB2629, HB2439, HB1078, HB1701, HB2207, HB2501, HB2361, HB1932

Keywords: kratom, consumer protection, regulation, health safety, substance control, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, pet insurance, insurance regulation, animal welfare, claims processes

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 2291, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, and received a staff briefing describing a licensing and regulatory framework for kratom processors and retailers, age restrictions, product bans, labeling and testing requirements, a public product directory, an 11% excise tax, and enforcement by the Liquor and Cannabis Board. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to regulate natural kratom while banning synthetic or chemically altered products, and members asked about local authority, impaired driving, and whether the bill should more closely resemble cannabis or opioid regulation. Testimony was mixed: retailers and cities supported regulation but raised concerns about the $1,000 license fee and state preemption of local bans; public health and youth prevention witnesses supported the bill and warned about addiction, child exposure, and overdoses; kratom users and the Global Kratom Coalition defended natural kratom leaf as a lawful botanical and opposed treating it like cannabis or imposing high barriers to entry. The hearing on HB 2291 was then closed, and the committee moved into executive session on several other bills. In executive session, the committee heard staff briefings on multiple measures, including HB 2439 on cigarette, vapor product, and tobacco policy; HB 1078 on pet insurance continuity; HB 1701 on multiple liquor licensees in one facility; HB 2207 on bonded beer warehousing; HB 2501 on real estate disclosure language for heating oil tanks; HB 2361 on increasing the maximum small loan amount; and HB 1932 on cannabis consumption events. Members discussed proposed substitutes and amendments, including changes to consumer protection enforcement, coupon restrictions, local preemption, licensing details, and funding allocations. The committee also took a brief caucus recess before voting on bills. The committee adopted amendments and reported HB 2439, HB 1078, HB 1701, HB 2207, HB 2501, HB 2361, and HB 1932 out of committee with do-pass recommendations. HB 2439’s substitute was amended to limit one Consumer Protection Act enforcement provision to the Attorney General, adjust coupon language, and restore state preemption; the bill passed 12-3. HB 1078 passed unanimously after a substitute addressing affiliated-company policy transfers for pet insurance. HB 1701 and HB 2207 each passed with one dissenting vote after substitutes revised liquor and beer warehousing provisions. HB 2501 passed unanimously as a technical update to the seller disclosure form. HB 2361, as amended to make inflation adjustments biennial and change reporting requirements, passed 13-2. HB 1932, creating a regulated cannabis consumption event license, passed 11-4 after debate over public consumption and cannabis policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are obligated to say, I'm going to be off tomorrow for a day or for eight hours.
• The general contractor in particular is both morally and legally obligated to provide a safe job site

Bills: SB6014, SB5972, SB5869, SB5874

Keywords: pregnancy accommodations, pregnant workers, workplace accommodations, reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, lactation, breastfeeding, express milk, maternity leave, childbirth, pregnancy discrimination, employment law, labor and industries, L&I, confidential records, public records exemption, health care certification, workplace standards, employee rights, employer obligations

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee opened its first meeting of the 2026 session with member introductions and a brief overview of committee procedures, including the schedule for future meetings and the expectation that members attend in person when possible. The committee then received an informational presentation from the Employment Security Department on its structure and major programs, including paid family and medical leave, WA Cares, unemployment insurance, workforce services, and agricultural workforce services. Members asked about program eligibility, fraud prevention, call-center capacity, and the solvency of the unemployment trust fund; ESD said WA Cares is in a limited pilot phase, the UI trust fund currently covers about seven months of benefits, and the department would follow up with more detailed information on several issues. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5292, which would replace the current paid family and medical leave rate-setting formula with a forward-looking actuarial model and a four-month reserve target beginning in 2030. Supporters, including labor and employer representatives, said the bill would improve stability and align rates with projected costs, while opponents argued it would lead to higher payroll taxes and questioned the program’s growth and affordability. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stabilize funding and keep the measure narrow, and the hearing closed without a vote. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6014 on pregnancy-related accommodations, which would clarify that employers may not require a doctor’s note for certain basic accommodations and would create a public records exemption for sensitive complaint and investigation records; the sponsor and a public-interest witness said the bill restores the intended privacy protections and removes unnecessary barriers for pregnant and postpartum workers. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5972, which would extend interest arbitration rights to all correctional officers in jails, regardless of county population. The sponsor and labor witnesses said the current population threshold creates inequities between similarly situated workers and weakens bargaining over safety and staffing, while the bill was framed as a consistency and public safety measure. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5869, which would make permanent and expand a notice requirement for hazards identified at construction sites from residential construction to all building construction sites; construction industry witnesses and L&I supported the change, saying timely notice helps correct hazards quickly, and L&I said it already notifies workers on site and has been able to contact employers within 10 days in most cases. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5874, which would allow ESD to waive penalties for minor errors in quarterly unemployment reports, especially errors tied to new occupational classification reporting requirements; the sponsor said the current penalty structure is overly harsh for small administrative mistakes, and ESD said penalties had risen sharply and the agency was still evaluating the issue. The committee waived the five-day notice rule for two bills, took no final votes on the bills heard, and adjourned after completing public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• This could force housing providers into permanent lease obligations with no way to reclaim the unit.
• This could force housing providers into permanent lease obligations with no way to reclaim the unit.
• They said they had no obligation, that accommodations didn't apply.
• It's a simple fix that isn't going to cost anyone anything that they're not already legally obligated
• ><00:59:24.839><c> legally</c> that they're not already legally that they're not already legally obligated

Bills: HF2296, HF1566, HF1854, HF1385, HF1142

Keywords: landlord-tenant, victim confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, tenant privacy, housing law, eviction, unpaid rent, damages, release of information, shared database, protective order, victim of violence, Minnesota Statutes 504B.206, housing finance, civil law, autism, rental properties, reasonable accommodation

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Summary: The committee first briefly discussed House Bill 95, which would create an additional judgeship in the Second Judicial District. Members noted it was being aligned with the Senate version so the House and Senate bills would match. An amendment was adopted to also include the new First Judicial District judgeship that had been added earlier in the session, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies banning wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, and health care needs. The sponsors and Public Education Department officials said the bill was intended to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus and mental health, and support teachers, and the Office of Broadband explained that $1 million from an existing education technology fund would help schools implement storage solutions such as lockers or pouches. Supporters included representatives from New Mexico Kids Can, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Higher Education Department; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s definition of “school day,” the three-year phase-in, local control, and whether the funding and storage requirements were necessary. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to strike Section 4, which contained the phase-in schedule, and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended. Members also discussed whether the bill should be more direct and immediate, but sponsors said the phased approach and funding were intended to improve chances of passage and implementation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 246, which would add licensure and inspection requirements for massage therapy establishments to address safety, sanitation, and concerns about illegal activity such as prostitution and human trafficking. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would close a regulatory gap and allow inspections of establishments, while the massage therapy industry supported the rulemaking being left to the board. Members questioned the breadth of the bill, including inspection timing, the impact on legitimate businesses, and language that could unintentionally bar people from licensure for past conduct. The committee worked through amendments to narrow those provisions, including adding “for compensation” and limiting certain denial language to conduct after the bill’s effective date, and the sponsor accepted those changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• organized state militia, independent of the National Guard, a state military force with no federal obligations
• The bill does not call for the organization of the state guard at this time, nor does it obligate any
• The bill does not call for the organization of the state guard at this time, nor does it obligate any
• The bill does not call for the organization of the state guard at this time, nor does it obligate any

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite the obligation of the governmental body to submit requests. the request within a limited time
• frame and the obligation of the AG to issue a decision within that time frame.
• Those parts cost us just as much to handle as retail parts when they come in.
• It relates to parts parity that involves providing a method for compensating dealers at their retail
• Certain manufacturers are not meeting the obligations required by current law.

Bills: SB 1113, SB 1117, SB 1206, SB 1460, SB 1802, SB 1906, SB 1917, SB 2340, SB 2455, SB 2680, SB 2690, SB 705, SB 748

Keywords: SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee was marked by discussions on several significant bills, with a keen emphasis on legislative updates and committee substitutes. Notably, Senator Blanco presented a new committee substitute for SB2610, which modifies the employee cap from 100 to 250 and extends the update timeline for cyber security programs for small businesses. This substitute was adopted unanimously, reflecting a collaborative agreement among the committee members. Additionally, there were discussions surrounding SB1856 as Senator Crayton provided insights into how stakeholder feedback influenced the bill's committee substitute. The committee ultimately voted in favor, pushing it towards the local and contested calendar, indicating the bill's progression through legislative channels.

Bills: HB135, HB142, HB170, HB194, HB215, HB216, HB226, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB609

Keywords: exemption, motor vehicles, health savings accounts, debt relief, bankruptcy, civil procedure, abandonment, default judgment, court costs, notice requirements, construction contracts, jurisdiction, dispute resolution, public policy, Louisiana law, professional engineer, peremptive periods, construction, architect, real estate developer

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so House Bill 2215 addresses the obligation of fuel suppliers under the Climate Commitment Act.
• So the intent of the underlying policy is to create pressure on the market to test, develop, and retail
• So the intent of the underlying policy is to create pressure on the market to test, develop, and retail
• or still asking for a yes vote on this bill to create pressure on the market to test, develop, and retail
• or still asking for a yes vote on this bill to create pressure on the market to test, develop, and retail

Bills: HB2436, HB2322, HB2343, HB1420, HB2426, HB2271, HB2215, HB2421, HB2301, HB2296

Keywords: oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment, coast guard authorization, Board of Pilotage Commissioners, articulated tug barge, bunker vessel, refueling vessel

Summary: The Environment and Energy Committee heard testimony on several bills, including HB 2436, which would update tug escort horsepower requirements for certain oil tankers in Puget Sound waters. The sponsor and the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners described it as a technical cleanup to align statute with existing rulemaking and industry practice, with the goal of better protecting the Salish Sea and southern resident killer whales. The hearing on HB 2436 was then closed. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 2322, which would change Clean Fuels Program rules and the timing of tax incentives for alternative jet fuel. Supporters, including the sponsor, 12, the City of Moses Lake, and U.S. Oil & Refining, said the bill would provide needed certainty for large-scale sustainable aviation fuel investment and clarify how electricity carbon intensity is calculated, including treatment of hydro power. Ecology opposed the bill, saying it would weaken the clean fuels program’s ability to drive new renewable generation and that it was willing to work on concerns through rulemaking. The hearing on HB 2322 was then closed. In executive session, the committee advanced HB 2343 on water discharge permits for publicly owned animal facilities, HB 2426 allowing Pollution Control Hearings Board appeals to be heard by a single member or alternate panel by agreement, HB 2271 on post-consumer recycled content requirements for plastics, HB 2215 on Climate Commitment Act fuel-supplier thresholds, and HB 2421 on 6PPD restrictions in tires. HB 2421 saw an unsuccessful amendment to exempt rural eastern Washington counties before passing. The committee deferred action on HB 2301 and HB 2296 until a later meeting. Most measures were reported out on party-line or near-party-line votes, with HB 2343 passing unanimously and the others passing by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm representing the Texas Retailers Association here in support of SB 32.
• I've been the executive director for the Retailers Association for about three years now.
• And as it turns out, I've been the executive director for the Retailers Association for about three years
• There's not a corner of the state that the retail industry doesn't touch, which also means that there
• I'm on the retail side; got developers here, but I'm the builder. I'm the guy at the end.

Bills: SB32, SB464, SB996, SB1163, SB1173, SB1277, SB1452, SB1453, SB1548, SB1882, SB1883, SB2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard several bills by Senator Bettencourt focused on property tax and local government accountability. SB 32 would provide about $700 million in business tax relief by raising the business personal property exemption from $2,500 to $25,000 and continuing a 20% franchise tax credit for inventory taxes paid. Witnesses from NFIB, the Texas Retailers Association, and Texas Realtors supported the bill, saying business personal property and inventory taxes are burdensome and especially hard on small businesses. After no opposition testimony, SB 32 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1453, which would change how interest and sinking tax rates are calculated by using only the minimum debt service required under bond schedules, while still allowing a higher rate with a 60% governing body vote and a public explanation. A witness from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association supported the bill as a way to keep debt rates from rising as property values increase and to preserve tax relief. The bill was left pending after testimony. SB 1883 would tighten rules on local impact fees by requiring 60 days of public availability for capital improvement plans and land use assumptions, raising the approval threshold for adopting impact fees from a simple majority to two-thirds, limiting how often fees can be increased, and expanding notice requirements. Builders and developers testified in support, arguing that impact fees are often poorly reviewed, lack accountability, and are passed on to homebuyers, worsening housing affordability. Committee members discussed adding audit provisions and questioned the lack of city testimony. The bill was left pending with subcommittee action. SB 1452 would require a voter election to decide whether a municipal management district continues to exist, with dissolution if voters reject it; supporters said it would add accountability, while others noted some districts provide essential services and infrastructure. The committee heard testimony from district representatives and builders, then left SB 1452 pending before recessing.

Transcript Highlights:

• prevalence of youth vaping by empowering local jurisdictions to restrict vaping apparatuses sold by retailers
• If we take that restriction off, then it's any retailer that sells any vaping cannot be within 1000 ft
• Shall adopt this policy, so it'll make it statewide 1000 ft, any retailer that sells vaping apparatuses
• By including all tobacco retailers, including all e-cigarette retailers, we include convenience stores
• But delaying the delivery of infrastructure and services that the city is obligated to provide.

Bills: SB 32, SB 464, SB 996, SB 1163, SB 1173, SB 1277, SB 1452, SB 1453, SB 1548, SB 1882, SB 1883, SB 2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• That's because we have way too many retail-only licenses, and I feel like there's not a whole lot of

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Bills: HB353, HB354, HB357, HB396, SB83

Keywords: judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, district attorney, compensation, constitutional amendment, job security, Alabama Constitution, tobacco tax, heated tobacco products, heated tobacco, cigarettes, nicotine, vape alternative, smokeless tobacco, snuff, cigars, excise tax

Bills: HB2248, HB2158, HB2178

Keywords: corporate filings, secretary of state, business entity filings, annual reports, foreign corporation, domestic corporation, nonprofit corporation, registered agent, trademark assignment, charities division, entity registration, foreign registration, ministerial filing duty, filing refusal, international student exchange, exchange visitor placement organization, doing business in Washington, remote worker, branch campus, notary certification

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2248, a Secretary of State cleanup bill covering business filings, foreign entity registration, trademarks, international student exchange program procedures, and authentication services. The prime sponsor and Secretary of State staff described it as a technical clarification measure that does not create new fees or policy changes. Testimony supported the bill, and a question from the ranking member focused on trademark assignment tracking; staff said the public record would still reflect ownership changes. No vote was taken on HB 2248 during the hearing. In executive session, the committee first considered House Bill 2178, which revises court rules and procedures and includes a substitute that removes a two-year extension for electronic submission of protection order petitions while adding statutory authority for the state treasurer to distribute LFO collection grants to county clerks. Members generally supported the substitute, though one member voted no without recommendation over concerns about how the change affects compliance with earlier legislation. The committee approved the substitute 10-2, with one excused, and reported HB 2178 out with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 2158, which updates the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts for remote notarization of tangible records. The substitute narrowed the procedure for confirming a record’s identity, added the word “tangible” for clarity, delayed the effective date to January 1, 2027, and made a technical correction. Supporters said the changes improve clarity, address implementation concerns, and give the Department of Licensing time for rulemaking. The committee approved the substitute unanimously, 12-0 with one excused, and reported HB 2158 out with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's exactly the point here: this was bought under retail situation. They give it away.
• </c> this was bought under retail situation. this was bought under retail situation.
• I personally represent over 600 members at distributorships that supply wine to retail establishments
• </c> the other large liquor retailers. the other large liquor retailers.
• </c> what they would sell retail. what they would sell retail.

Bills: HF4145, HF4009, HF4304, SF2511, HF4090, HF357, HF901

Keywords: alcohol consumption, nursing homes, assisted living, resident activities, Minnesota Statutes, seasonal liquor licenses, resorts, intoxicating liquor, county board, Brainerd, Northern Pacific Center, event center, liquor license, on-sale license, alcohol sales, special law, local option, Minnesota liquor law, chapter 340A, Sunday sales

Transcript Highlights:

• exceed 30% of the income, and the affordable housing development is part of a lease or other binding obligation
• Retail sales and use tax, by way of background, is imposed on retail sales of most articles of tangible
• By way of background, retail sales and use tax is imposed on retail sales of most articles of tangible
• It exempts from the fee chattel loans or retail installment contracts to purchase dwellings secured as

Bills: SB5884, SB5885, SB5937, SB5938

Keywords: sales tax, redevelopment, economic incentive, underutilized property, infrastructure, affordable housing, religious organizations, zoning laws, land use, community development, smart access system, smart lock, residential landlord-tenant act, tenant privacy, biometric data, fingerprint, face scan, iris scan, key fob, key card

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard public testimony on several bills focused on housing supply, tenant protections, and foreclosure prevention. SB 5885 would expand incentives for affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold from 100% to 50% of units and adding a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects. The sponsor and supporters from cities, faith groups, and housing nonprofits said the bill would help churches and other religious organizations use underutilized land for housing, while a county planning representative asked for funding to cover local code updates. SB 5884 would broaden an existing sales tax deferral program for redevelopment of underutilized property by expanding eligible land beyond surface parking lots to vacant, partially used, or underutilized parcels and by adjusting affordability thresholds; cities including Spokane, Vancouver, and Kent supported it, while contractor groups opposed a provision they said could favor project labor or apprenticeship requirements and burden nonunion and small contractors. A county association also asked that counties be included in the program. The committee also heard SB 5937, which would require landlords using smart access systems to offer tenants a non-biometric, non-app-based alternative key upon request and to provide privacy and data-retention information, while limiting data collection to what is necessary for access. The sponsor and tenant advocates said the bill would protect renters from being forced to use phone apps or biometric systems and from excessive data collection; landlord groups supported the concept but argued the bill was too broad and could impose burdens on small housing providers, especially if it covered simple keypad systems or required lengthy privacy disclosures. Testifiers asked for narrower definitions and clearer implementation language. Finally, SB 5938 would make technical changes to the foreclosure prevention fee created last year, including lowering the reverse mortgage exemption age, exempting certain chattel loans, limiting duplicate fee collection on some state-supported transactions, and requiring Commerce to study a possible homeowner assistance fund. Supporters from the Washington Homeownership Resource Center, legal aid, HOA advocates, and community organizations said the bill would clarify administration, reduce unfair charges, and strengthen foreclosure prevention and homeowner stability. The committee took no votes and adjourned after closing public testimony on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Berry, 488, is an amendment to clarify that the Attorney General has no obligation to pursue a specific
• have water in our streams and rivers to support our fish populations and uphold our tribal treaty obligations

Bills: HB2296, HB2301, HB2212, HB2515, HB2436, HB2496, HB2605

Keywords: distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, sustainability, energy policy, extended producer responsibility, paint waste management, environmental regulations, recycling, microplastics, pollution, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, energy facilities, large energy use, regulation, state oversight, infrastructure, oil tanker

Summary: The committee met to executive a series of bills related to transportation, environmental regulation, energy, and utility policy. Staff briefed House Bill 2436 on escort tug horsepower requirements for oil tankers, House Bill 2605 on exemptions for low-asbestos commercial aggregates, asphalt, and concrete, House Bill 2301 on expanding the paint stewardship program to additional paint products, House Bill 2496 on tribal government-to-government consultation during energy facility siting reviews, House Bill 2296 on meter-mounted devices and portable solar generation devices, House Bill 2212 on microfiber filtration requirements for washing machines, and House Bill 2515 on rules and fees for emerging large energy use facilities such as data centers and cryptocurrency facilities. Several proposed substitutes were also explained, including changes to paint collection convenience standards, tribal consultation procedures, meter-device utility authority, delayed microfiber enforcement, and revisions to data-center reporting, fees, and utility tariff provisions. The committee took public discussion on the measures before voting. Supporters of the tug, paint stewardship, tribal consultation, and aggregate bills emphasized safety, recycling, affordability, and improved government-to-government relations. The meter-mounted device bill drew debate over utility cost recovery and local government authority; amendments to require customer-paid costs and restore local prohibitions were offered but both failed. The microfiber bill was not acted on at this meeting. The large energy use facility bill prompted substantial debate over fees, grid reliability, water use, labor protections, and the impact on data center development; members split between concerns about taxation and infrastructure impacts versus the need for safeguards and transparency. Final actions were taken on the remaining bills. Proposed Substitute House Bill 2296 passed out of committee on a 14-7 vote. Substitute House Bill 2301 passed 19-1. Substitute House Bill 2515 passed 11-10. House Bill 2436 passed unanimously, 21-0. Substitute House Bill 2496 passed 15-6. House Bill 2605 also passed unanimously, 21-0. The committee adjourned after reporting those bills out with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• If this provision were not in the Texas Constitution related to home equity loans, those retail installment
• hurricanes. to address the vulnerability that this bill aims to facilitate the issuance of financial obligations
• The district was given the authority to proceed with issuing general obligation bonds. of $60 million
• in general obligation bonds.

Bills: HB1342, HB2889, HB3002, HB3254, HB4820, HJR40, HJR40

Keywords: private activity bonds, housing, residential rental projects, low-income, affordable housing, bond measures, funding equality, political subdivisions, public communications, election fairness, debt collection, consumer rights, disclosures, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, settlement agreements, State Board of Education, group benefits program, health insurance, state employees, dependents eligibility

Bills: HF72, HF66, HF69, HF73

Keywords: campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide

Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales