Transcript Highlights:

• :55:01.680> enforcement<00:55:02.160> partners<00:55:02.559> when<00:55:02.800><
• > just<00:55:03.200> go<00:55:03.440> get<00:55:03.520> it<00:55:03.760><
• :05.599> and<00:55:05.839> make<00:55:06.000> it<00:55:06.160> simpler<00
• :55:08.240> burden<00:55:08.559> off<00:55:08.640> of<00:55:08.800> their
• ,<00:55:10.720> how<00:55:10.880> are<00:55:11.040> you<00:55:11.200> handling

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• you kind of a run of show today, we have Senate Bill 97, which is going to go first, then Senate Bill 55
• Yes, while we have Pro Tem Stewart coming up for Senate Bill 55, which we will vote on, just a reminder
• So, Senator Stewart, you've got Senate Bill 55, then we'll follow with Senate Bill 38 and then Senate
• Also, if there are interstate issues, there can be that kind of coordination.
• It could be, we're looking for the murderer, the guy that shot the cop on the interstate.

Bills: SB97, SB55, SB40, SB38, SB120, SB113, SB116, SB117, SB118

Keywords: tax credits, municipality, county property, industrial revenue bonds, economic development, qualified expenditures, solar energy, tax credit, renewable energy, photovoltaic, solar thermal, New Mexico, economic incentive, energy independence, SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.359> once<00:55:00.559> we<00:55:00.680> know<00:55:00.839> we<00:55:
• > right<00:55:04.400> now<00:55:04.559> the<00:55:05.280> the<00:55:05.400
• :55:07.640> to<00:55:07.880> get<00:55:08.079> something<00:55:08.559> he
• /c><03:55:03.439> load<03:55:03.760> offices<03:55:04.640> and<03:55:04.800>
• /c><03:55:08.239> be<03:55:08.399> in<03:55:08.479> the<03:55:08.600> field

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Agriculture Commissioner on the department’s major divisions and staffing. He described the Office of the Commissioner, Agricultural Development, Pesticides, Regulatory Services, Weights and Measures, Animal Industry, Plant Industry, and Soil Conservation, noting that many programs are federally funded or supported by dedicated fees and fines. He said the department has 44 full-time positions plus one DoIT employee shared with other agencies, and that HR services are now contracted through Administrative Services. He also explained that Soil Conservation is administratively attached to the department and funded through Moose Plate grants and county contributions, not direct state funding. Members asked about specific program functions and issues, including weights and measures inspections, animal health, bird flu response, internships, invasive species, and the Big E/New Hampshire building. The commissioner said weights and measures covers nearly all commercial measuring devices and products sold by weight, and that inspectors are currently part-time police officers, though the department is discussing removing that requirement. He said the department is actively involved in bird flu monitoring, including regular calls with USDA and the state veterinarian and collecting milk samples from dairy farms. On invasive species, he focused on Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, saying the department has only one staff person working on the issue, mainly as a coordinator with DOT and towns, and that eradication is extremely difficult. He also said the department does not run student internships and refers inquiries to UNH Cooperative Extension. The committee discussed budget and revenue issues, including three new general fund positions, one of which is the assistant commissioner and another a biological scientist for invasive species. The commissioner said the department had been in “triage mode,” that an assistant commissioner was needed because of workload, and that the department is a net positive to the General Fund each year. He said some fees and fines have not been updated in decades and would require legislation to change, including a proposed $5 fee for each animal database certificate to help fund a system that costs about $250,000 annually to maintain. In response to questions about budget reductions, he said the department protected personnel, reduced the cost-of-care fund, fair grants, and land preservation funding to about $25,000 each, and did not plan to buy new vehicles or computers. He also said he could not support including the $50,000 Conservation District resilience grant program in his budget under the current reduction targets, though he remained hopeful it might be funded another way.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:55:02.480> but<01:55:02.639> they<01:55:02.880> can't<01:55:03.040> do
• > a<01:55:11.280> as<01:55:11.520> an<01:55:11.679> energy<01:55:12.080><
• It's<01:55:14.639> one<01:55:14.800> or<01:55:14.960> the<01:55:15.040> other
• ><01:55:52.080> that<01:55:52.639> um<01:55:53.360> it<01:55:53.679> sounded<
• > the<01:55:56.159> dual<01:55:57.520> uh<01:55:58.000> the<01:55:58.239>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to take the committee and let them put a list of projects together, and I mean not a new interstate
• Midland County, his home county, is about 55% of the the population of Lubbock County, so just a little
• Federal Aid Highway Act, which started our interstate highway system.
• But as we look at it, we've worked on a lot of new interstate projects.
• I want you to keep in mind the interstate highway system when Eisenhower designated, even though none

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:55:04.800> think<01:55:04.960> that<01:55:05.119> they've<01:55:05.360><
• :06.239> by<01:55:06.400> any<01:55:06.639> means<01:55:06.800> in<01:55:
• <01:55:08.639> Here<01:55:08.880> comes<01:55:09.199> here<01:55:09.440>
• /c><01:55:10.560> them<01:55:11.280> and<01:55:12.000> uh<01:55:12.639> I
• think as<01:55:13.119> they<01:55:13.280> work<01:55:13.520> look<01:55:13.679>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> state<00:55:01.000> as<00:55:01.200> part<00:55:01.359> of<00:55
• > and<00:55:24.160> I<00:55:24.440> I'll<00:55:24.599> just<00:55:24.799>
• committee<00:55:29.760> has<00:55:30.160> has<00:55:30.319> given<00:55:30.599><
• :32.160> the<00:55:32.240> vote<00:55:32.520> was<00:55:33.039> 18<00:55:
• 55:41.719> of<01:55:41.840> the<01:55:41.920> Nash<01:55:42.199> or<01:55

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to provide 10% of HHR winnings to host municipalities as mitigation. Representative Om said the bill was intended to offset local costs associated with large gaming facilities, noting that prior gaming measures included opt-in provisions and that this proposal would leave charities and the state whole while taking the 10% from the operator’s share. Members questioned why 10% was chosen and whether municipalities were currently experiencing added costs; Om said the amount was meant to address projected future impacts, not broader municipal budget issues, and cited a study on casino-related community costs. Opponents from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association argued the bill unfairly singled out one industry and said gaming facilities do not impose more municipal burden than other entertainment venues. The hearing closed without a vote, and a member clarified the bill would apply to existing and future casinos/facilities. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises the cap on reimbursements from the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and makes related changes to the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly described the funds as an insurance backstop for oil spill cleanup and low-income tank replacement, saying the program helps prevent environmental hazards and satisfies financial responsibility requirements. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill but noted that fee changes are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts explained that the bill would change reporting deadlines, raise the reimbursement cap for low-income homeowners, extend the fee collection period for 10 years, and adjust petroleum import fees based on an actuarial review. They said the funds cover spill response, prevention, and tank replacement, and that the fee structure was designed to keep the funds solvent while balancing costs across fuel categories. Committee members asked about the actuarial basis for the fee changes, why some fees would rise while others would fall, and how the funds are used. DES said the review used 10 years of claims and exposure data and that the fuel oil fee would otherwise need to rise sharply, so the board proposed a smaller increase and rebalanced other fees. Members also asked about the scope of covered oil imports, and DES explained that the fee applies to oil destined for use in New Hampshire, not merely passing through the state. The discussion also covered home heating oil spills, which DES said are often discovered by homeowners or fire departments and are usually caused by tank corrosion, piping, or overfills. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that the policy committee had already approved the bill before the finance-focused review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interstate commerce can... Can one of you explain?
• You cannot stop interstate transport or sales, interstate commerce or delivery through the USPIS.
• Interstate commerce, yeah. So the reality is that.
• You cannot stop the interstate commerce or interstate transport or the delivery or possession of a federally
• The interstate commerce issue is very complicated.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, 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

Transcript Highlights:

• Just this is just<00:55:03.280> just<00:55:03.440> a<00:55:03.599> change<00:55:
• Um<00:55:06.000> I<00:55:06.160> do<00:55:06.319> want<00:55:06.480> to<00
• I know she's<00:55:09.839> going<00:55:09.920> to<00:55:10.000> be<00:55:10.160>
• 12.160> minute<00:55:12.720> and<00:55:13.280> um<00:55:13.440> and<00:55
• /c><00:55:15.119> the<00:55:15.280> amendment,<00:55:15.680> but<00:55:15.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 185, which would add timelines to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) investigations. Senator Howard Pearl said the bill was prompted by concerns from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors about delays at the Real Estate Commission, and he explained that the proposal would require OPLC staff to make an initial determination within 30 days and, if misconduct is found, complete an investigation within 60 days. He said the goal is to improve transparency and give consumers and licensees more timely information, while preserving the board’s adjudicatory role. He also noted that the bill had been amended to delay implementation to give OPLC time to work through its backlog. Committee members questioned how the bill would work when an investigation is incomplete and whether the board could send a case back to OPLC without a firm deadline. Pearl said the board would have discretion to continue the investigation or make a final determination, and that the bill was intended to streamline OPLC’s process rather than impose a hard cap on complex cases. OPLC Executive Director Deanna Durus and General Counsel Nicholas Fry then testified that the agency has already changed its procedures under prior legislation, including a facial review of complaints and monthly board review of dismissal memos. They said the bill would substantially alter the current structure, could conflict with existing limitation periods and board duties, and would be difficult to implement without additional staff and funding. Durus said the agency’s backlog is large, that new complaints are being triaged and prioritized, and that some urgent matters are moved ahead based on risk and statutory deadlines. She said OPLC had completed a review of about 500 backlog cases that would now be dismissed under current screening standards, and that those cases are being turned into memos for board review. Board of Medicine public member Nina Gardner testified in favor of the bill but said the backlog is significant and that the agency needs more resources to make the process work effectively. She said the board is seeing progress, but not fast enough, and suggested the bill may not go far enough without additional staffing and funding. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I believe you're here. to present House Bill 331. the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate.
• Members of the committee, House Bill 331 is an interstate state licensure compact for EMS services.
• Of a series of interstate compacts that I've been sponsoring and that have been before the House and
• Joining these interstate medical licensure compacts are one of many things that we can do to address
• We are in support of House Bill 31, the EMS licensure interstate compact.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.240> recognizing<00:55:49.240> the<00:55:49.680> the<00:55:49.839> the
• burden<00:55:50.839> that<00:55:51.079> is<00:55:51.319> placed<00:55:51.640>
• > um<00:55:55.319> we<00:55:55.440> do<00:55:56.359> have<00:55:56.520>
• have some concerns about<00:55:57.559> the<00:55:57.680> bill<00:55:57.920> and
• <00:55:58.079> its<00:55:58.280> potential<00:55:58.760> impact about the bill and

Bills: HF192, HF268, HF1214, HF494

Keywords: Minnesota income tax, dependent exemption, personal income tax, tax relief, family tax relief, children, dependents, tax deduction, tax exemption, state revenue, inflation indexing, tax year 2025, taxable income, household tax policy, family tax credit, HF268, Joshua Schmidt Memorial Highway, memorial highway, highway naming, road designation

Transcript Highlights:

• Our region's most critical transportation corridor, Interstate 2, was shut down in multiple locations
• And when 40% of Hidalgo County is in the 100-year floodplain, 55% is...
• And when 40% of Hidalgo County is in the 100-year floodplain, 55% is in the 500-year floodplain.
• That's an interstate, and that is supposed to be our emergency evacuation corridor.
• That's an interstate, and that is supposed to be our emergency evacuation corridor.

Summary: The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships. Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects. Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in the next five years, those numbers increased to 25% in blood and 55% in urine.
• But in the next five years, those numbers increased to 25% in blood and 55% in urine.
• Next, we will take up Tab 7, Senate Bill 400, on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities
• Senate Bill 400 simply removes the repealed date for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities
• Senate Bill 400 simply removes the repealed date for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:06.640> Um,<00:55:06.960> what<00:55:07.200> I<00:55:07.359> can
• 00:55:10.319> I<00:55:10.640> attend<00:55:11.280> um,<00:55:11.520> state
• an<01:55:01.760> answer<01:55:02.080> that<01:55:02.239> you<01:55:02.480><
• c><01:55:14.880> be<01:55:15.040> such<01:55:15.199> a<01:55:15.440> big<
• <01:55:52.800> If<01:55:52.960> they<01:55:53.040> have<01:55:53.119> a

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know that with<00:55:00.400> the<00:55:00.640> small<00:55:00.880> businesses
• :04.960> it's<00:55:05.200> going<00:55:05.280> to<00:55:05.359> be<00:55
• <00:55:10.559> keep<00:55:10.720> their<00:55:10.960> doors<00:55:11.280>
• <00:55:12.880> It<00:55:13.119> provides<00:55:13.520> that<00:55:13.839>
• 16.640> able<00:55:16.800> to<00:55:16.960> shop<00:55:17.280> those<00:55

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 25 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer by Reverend Max Smith of Jesus Name Tabernacle in Florence, and then led the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports, and then spent much of the morning recognizing guests, including multiple FFA groups, the Mississippi FFA state officer team, the Mississippi Food Bank Collaborative, optometrists visiting for Optometry Day, and representatives from engineering and fire service organizations. On the calendar, the Senate took up several finance-related bills. Senate Bill 2824, extending deadlines related to renewable energy fee-in-lieu agreements and construction start dates, was explained and adopted, then passed by use of the morning roll call with three no votes and one present. Senate Bill 2867, revising the income tax credit for employer-provided dependent child care or child care stipends, was explained as a targeted, capped credit for actual employer spending on licensed child care; it was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3109, clarifying that a nonprofit leasing and managing LaFleur’s Bluff State Park land is not subject to ad valorem taxes on state-owned park land, was adopted and passed by morning roll call with one no vote. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 2840, which would provide a 75% rebate or sales tax credit related to inventory taxes and eliminate local privilege taxes. After extended discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, a reverse repealer amendment was added, and the bill passed by morning roll call with one no vote. Senators discussed the burden of inventory taxes on retailers and the need for more data before fully implementing the proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 2868, creating a tax credit tied to employer contributions for individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs), was introduced and explained as a way to encourage employer-supported health coverage for small and midsize businesses; the transcript cuts off during the explanation before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> recommends<01:55:02.639> that<01:55:02.800> the<01:55:02.880> bill<01:55:
• > vote<01:55:04.159> of<01:55:04.320> 3<01:55:04.480> to<01:55:04.719>
• <01:55:25.199> Over<01:55:25.520> the<01:55:25.679> years,<01:55:26.000>
• homemade<01:55:33.040> kilbasa<01:55:33.760> around<01:55:34.000> Eastern<01:55
• > Manchester<01:55:39.360> got<01:55:39.599> news<01:55:39.920> of<01:55:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we're going to have HB 13 social work licensure interstate compact by Representative Jackie
• and last up we have HB 15 public records and meetings of exemption for social worker Licensure Interstate
• And then it 55 years and older. We see that this population is growing as well.
• We noticed that 55 and older I resemble that remark was biggest pot, right? The biggest part.
• >> All new over 55. Now I need this drug or do we look at it that way? That makes sense. Okay.

Transcript Highlights:

• with our the requirements for interstate.
• interstate. ways with our state highways.
• different ranked the interstate highways.
• Seeing interstate highways. Collins. Yes.
• This region produces around. 55 to 60 million tons Keywords: 999, senate, all