Transcript Highlights:

• consider the people, families like mine consider the people, families like mine who<00:18:28.960
• That's why HF 4464 matters so much to me and the families like mine.
• For families like mine, this limitation creates uncertainty and fear.
• For families like mine, this limitation creates uncertainty and fear.
• Mine is strongly with emergency medical services.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement met on April 14, 2026, adopted the April 7 minutes, and then took up Senate File 4464, which the chair said would be laid over after hearing testimony. The bill would restore continued health insurance coverage for police officers and firefighters in the PERA Police and Fire Fund who suffer documented physical duty-related injuries, addressing the current 5-year cap and the loss of coverage at normal retirement eligibility. Senator Hal Hoffman and Senator Hoffman’s testimony emphasized that the bill is a narrow fix for injured public safety workers and not a broader restructuring of retirement benefits. Supporters, including Mike Ladue of Law Enforcement Labor Services, several injured officers, Sheriff Ryan Kruger, and Amber Waldner, described the personal and family impacts of severe line-of-duty injuries and argued that coverage should continue to age 65 so families are not left with uncertainty if injuries worsen or force medical retirement. They said the bill would honor the promise made to public safety workers and provide stability for long-term care needs. One witness, Officer Albert, said the 2025 changes significantly reduced the protection he believed he and his family would have if his injury forced retirement. Anne Finn of the League of Minnesota Cities opposed the bill as drafted, warning that restoring coverage to age 65 for all physical injuries would be fiscally unsustainable without additional state funding. She said the 2025 pension changes were part of a negotiated package, noted that duty disability retirements are common, and argued the employer cost could reach about $500,000 per employee and create significant property tax pressure, especially for smaller communities. She urged the committee to work on a broader solution and said revisiting only one part of the 2025 law would create imbalance.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know it's your word against mine, but I'mma stand on the promises of God and tell the truth.
• allowed them to go back in and continue to do strip mining.
• allowed them to go back in and continue to do strip mining.
• allowed them to go back in and continue to do strip mining.
• They had built new neighborhoods mining.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support of Senate Bill 208, which would establish a revolving loan fund to help organizations like mine
• Some do infill lots, and then some organizations like mine have been gifted beautiful land.
• it's a little bit different for every organization. do infill lots and then some organizations like mine
• for local investments without raising tax rates, especially critical in fast-growing districts like mine
• Mine does not. Okay? So you'll find that in the bill, so that takes care of that.

Bills: SB208, SB628, SB777, SB1042, SB2354, SB2477, SB2521, SB2523, SB2608, SB2703, SB2778, SB2835, SB2965, SB2367, SB3044

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and limited public testimony to two minutes per person. The committee heard Senate Bill 628 by Senator Zaffirini, which would clarify that counties may enter interlocal agreements with emergency service districts to administer and enforce county fire codes, including for multi-county ESDs in the committee substitute. Witnesses from Travis County ESD-11, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, and a member of the public supported the bill as a way to reduce duplication, costs, and jurisdictional confusion. Public testimony was closed and the committee substitute was left pending. The committee then heard several housing-related bills. Senate Bill 208 by Senator West would create a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders for workforce housing; Habitat for Humanity representatives, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, and housing advocates supported it as a way to finance infrastructure and land development for affordable homes. Senate Bill 2835 by Senator Johnson would allow cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings for small-scale, multi-story housing; supporters said the design is safe and could expand housing supply, while the Texas APA expressed qualified opposition over code-process concerns and fire-safety questions. Both bills were left pending after testimony. Additional bills heard included SB 1042 updating the Kimble County Hospital District’s enabling law; SB 1708, a committee substitute protecting familial property divisions from platting requirements; SB 2778 raising the ESD expenditure threshold requiring board approval from $2,000 to up to $50,000; SB 2608 expanding LIHTC eligibility for certain public housing projects; SB 3044 adding board representation for Marfa and Presidio on the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District and adjusting an exemption; SB 2367 extending park board authority to Waller County; SB 2523 clarifying ETJ reduction procedures and owner opt-out rights; SB 2521 requiring death-certificate reporting to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead exemption issues; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in larger cities. In each case, the bills were laid out, testimony was taken, and the measures were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• communities living near uranium mines communities living near uranium mines Mills<00:35:42.880><
• , whether it's a copper-nickel mine.
• , whether it's a copper-nickel mine.
• , whether it's a copper-nickel mine.
• , whether it's a copper-nickel mine.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• families from experiencing the tragedy families from experiencing the tragedy that<00:05:07.479> mine
• that mine that mine has<00:05:10.680> when<00:05:10.840> Justin<00:05:11.280> died
• and for all, and help me ensure that Minnesota families don't experience the horrible tragedy that mine
• and for all, and help me ensure that Minnesota families don't experience the horrible tragedy that mine
• <00:08:31.440> has<00:08:31.599> gone tragedy that mine has gone tragedy that mine

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• time, is develop a pipeline for these students to get in, you know, especially ones from areas like mine
• what I want to create: a bachelor's program for these students, especially in these rural areas like mine
• And so I really think that I would... mine.

Bills: HB441, SB274

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, makeup application, blow-dry styling, cosmetology, licensing, regulation exemption, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 312 would be an invaluable change for businesses like mine.
• small business assistance programs, and the significance of S. 179 as a worker-owned business like mine
• Prioritizing small businesses with its unique challenges, such as mine, are all ways to protect the business
• Prioritizing small business with its unique challenges such as mine are all ways to protect the business

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its second hearing of the session, with Chairs Gómez and Vargas opening by emphasizing the committee’s focus on equity, small business growth, and support for communities that have historically been overlooked. Several members noted the historic nature of having two Latino chairs. The hearing covered a package of bills centered on access to capital, transparency in state assistance, commercial tenant protections, downtown revitalization, and business improvement district administration. Testimony was largely supportive of bills aimed at helping micro-businesses, small businesses, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Beckma, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, a minority- and woman-owned business owner, and a worker-owned Springfield business all backed measures including S. 179 and H. 312/S. 184, which would prioritize capital assistance and require reporting on where state business aid goes. Witnesses said transparency, upfront payments on state contracts, and better data collection could help businesses that struggle with delayed reimbursements, limited reserves, and difficulty accessing traditional financing. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported S. 173, which would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to a downtown vitality fund for district management, cultural districts, and downtown infrastructure, and said the bill could help sustain downtowns and prevent cultural displacement. There was also testimony on H. 306, a commercial tenant first right of refusal bill, with Beckma supporting it as a way to help small tenants stay in their locations, while the Greater Boston Real Estate Board opposed it, arguing it would add cost, delay, uncertainty, and could reduce property values and the commercial tax base. The board supported H. 305, a housing bill that would expand by-right multifamily and open-space residential development while preserving local zoning protections. Andre Leroux of MassINC also supported S. 173 and H. 299, the latter proposing longer BID renewal periods and audit requirements aligned with nonprofit standards. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and questions, with the chair closing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• attorney, Shawn Aronson, our committee attorney, and we have returning some alums, former staff of mine
• 00:12:44.200> of returning some alums, former staff of returning some alums, former staff of mine
• <00:12:45.960> Hana<00:12:46.240> Wong, mine that have come back.
• Hana Wong, mine that have come back.

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• Hers, her two were preemies, and mine was sick because we weren't allowed to have water, because this
• Hers her two were preemies and<00:03:19.400> mine<00:03:19.560> was<00:03:19.720> sick
• 20.600> um<00:03:20.880> because<00:03:21.200> we<00:03:21.280> weren't and mine
• was sick um because we weren't and mine was sick um because we weren't allowed<00:03:21.560> to

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senators discussed and celebrated a rule change allowing infants and young children on the Senate floor, along with related accommodations for parents. Speakers described the change as historic and long overdue, saying it would make the institution more family-friendly and help elected officials balance parenting with legislative duties. Several senators recounted personal experiences with being removed from the floor, breastfeeding challenges caused by the old rules, and the importance of being able to keep working without forcing staff to serve as child care. The discussion emphasized that the change received broad bipartisan support, including from many younger parents, and that the final version also included an amendment allowing staff to bring children if needed. Senators said the rule applies specifically to the Senate floor, not other parts of the Capitol, and argued that staff should not be put in the position of caring for lawmakers’ children. They also noted that the rules are temporary and could be changed again, but expressed confidence the new policy would work and would not be rolled back. The conversation then shifted to the chamber’s schedule. Leaders said the Chavez bill was taken up and placed on general orders for debate the next day, alongside a Senator Port bill and two small bills being moved in both bodies. They said most of the week would be spent working in committees before the deadline, and that the Chavez name repeal could be sent to the governor’s desk well before the cutoff date.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I did try to get a friend of mine here today, Cole Vanover, and his dog Nate, which is one of the
• get<00:03:20.319> a<00:03:20.560> friend<00:03:20.720> of<00:03:20.879> mine
• <00:03:21.120> here<00:03:21.360> today,<00:03:22.640> uh, to get a friend of mine
• here today, uh, to get a friend of mine here today, uh, Cole<00:03:23.120> Vanover,<00:03:23.760

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:20 SB 37 Discussion: 01:37 SB 37 Roll Call Vote: 06:21 SB 214 Discussion: 07:48 SB 214 Roll Call Vote: 09:48, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 37, sponsored by Senator Robin Webb, which would designate the Treeing Walker Hound as Kentucky’s state dog. Webb described the breed as Kentucky-originated, a working and hunting dog, and a fitting symbol of the commonwealth. Several members voiced support, including comments about preserving full-bred dogs and recognizing the breed’s working-dog status, and the committee voted unanimously to pass the bill. The next item was Senate Bill 214, presented by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Dana Feldman and Mark Manley explained that the bill would allow the department to accept and distribute non-federal grant funding directly, without going through the usual loan procedure with finance. They said the measure was needed in part because an emergency clause would let Kentucky pursue time-sensitive grant funding tied to a food-is-medicine initiative before July 1. Members expressed support for the funding opportunity and the bill passed unanimously. The meeting ended after both bills were approved without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I'm going to give you mine after I ask the question, if you want. It was...
• No, I'm going to give you mine after I ask the question, if you want. It was just that engrossed.
• That's kind of a pet project of mine.
• I find it strange that we, as an employee, there is... ...of mine.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The State and Local Government Committee met to reconsider and amend House Bill 1165, which dealt with petition circulation requirements and ballot receipt rules. The committee walked through technical changes requested by the Secretary of State’s office, including moving petition-title language, adding a 15-business-day submission deadline for petition packets, and revising language related to mailed absentee ballots and the presidential executive order requiring ballots to be received by election day rather than merely postmarked. The State Election Director explained that the change was intended to provide clarity and consistency for voters and election officials, while Senator Braunberger objected that it was an unnecessary reaction to an executive order that could be challenged. The committee adopted the amendment 5-1 and then passed the bill as amended on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Braunberger voting no. The committee then took up House Bill 1307, which concerned election authority, home rule powers, and related city and county petition/signature provisions. After questions from members and clarification from the Deputy Secretary of State and a League of Cities representative, the committee agreed the amendment was intended to preserve city petition power and align the bill with changes made in another election bill, while also addressing park district language. The amendment was adopted 6-0, and the bill was passed as amended 6-0. Senator Castaneda was designated as the carrier. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 1580, a study bill on state employee compensation. Members used language from an earlier draft tied to health plan changes and broadened it to study total rewards compensation, including pay grades, classifications, comparisons among state employees across departments and with similar private-sector jobs, equity funding and bonuses, prevailing wages on state projects, and the impact of changes to health plan benefits and premium structures. The committee agreed to make the language more generic and adopted the amendment 6-0, then passed the bill as amended 6-0. House Bill 1601 was not acted on and was held until after floor session so members could continue discussions and await additional input.

Transcript Highlights:

• here to speak in strong support of House Bill 499 to share what this bill means for businesses like mine
• If someone is worried about whether a small brewery like mine can uphold safety or quality, I invite
• there's also some smaller distributors that work with smaller breweries, still a little bigger than mine
• So I'm encouraging, empowering what could be another great client of mine in the future, potentially.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up one bill, House Bill 499, which would allow malt beverage manufacturers producing less than 31,000 gallons annually to sell and deliver directly to vendors. The sponsor and several craft brewery owners and industry advocates testified in support, arguing the measure would help small breweries reach local restaurants, improve quality control, create jobs, and serve as a bridge into the three-tier system for businesses too small to attract distributors. Opponents, including the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, argued the bill would undermine the three-tier system, weaken accountability and tax collection, and create risks for consumer protection and market fairness. During debate, several members said they supported the bill as a small-business measure while noting they remained protective of the three-tier system. Some members raised concerns about tax tracking and long-term distributor contracts, but others said the bill appeared limited enough to preserve the existing system while giving small breweries a chance to grow. The committee then voted on the bill and it passed, with one recorded no vote. After the bill vote, the subcommittee revisited prior questions about Department of Lottery Secretary Davis’s travel reimbursements. Members reviewed updated documents showing more than $50,000 in travel reimbursements from January 2021 through November 2024, including about $27,840 tied to Orlando destinations, and expressed concern that some reimbursements may have covered commuting between Tallahassee and Orlando. The chair said the information would be sent to Secretary Davis for an explanation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to introduce a good friend of mine who's originally from Minnesota but now visiting from Washington
• /c><00:04:11.200> good<00:04:11.360> friend<00:04:11.560> of<00:04:11.720> mine
• <00:04:12.040> who's to introduce a good friend of mine who's to introduce a good friend of
• mine who's originally<00:04:12.840> from<00:04:13.040> Minnesota<00:04:13.680> but<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public Service Commission, which the coal industry is accustomed to interacting with in regard to coal mining
• received in the commingled production section was addressed by an adjustment to the definition of mine
• area by limiting it to the mine area within one calendar year.
• section, we added clarification that an owner's equitable share is to be based on the volume of coal mined
• Yes, Madam Chair, members of the commission, they typically, in coal mining explorations, limit themselves

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public Service Commission, which the coal industry is accustomed to interacting with in regard to coal mining
• received in the commingled production section was addressed by an adjustment to the definition of mine
• area by limiting it to the mine area within one calendar year.
• section, we added clarification that an owner's equitable share is to be based on the volume of coal mined
• Yes, Madam Chair, members of the commission, they typically in coal mining explorations limit themselves

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:16:55.640> a<00:16:55.720> constituent<00:16:56.440> of<00:16:56.560> mine
• gallery, I see a constituent of mine gallery, I see a constituent of mine here<00:16:57.240>
• South Gallery, I know that the AKAs have already been introduced, but I want to introduce a friend of mine
• We have a friend of mine and a former alderman of the city of Carthage, Miracle Matlock.
• We have a friend of mine and a former alderman of the city of Carthage, Miracle Matlock.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with a prayer, pledge, and quorum present, then moved through routine organizational business including journal approval, committee reports, introduction of pages, and numerous member introductions recognizing visiting veterans groups, medical residents and physicians, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members, former members, constituents, and other guests. Several members also made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including Education, Drug Policy, Appropriations A, Elections, and other standing committees. The main floor action involved adoption of two House resolutions from the supplemental calendar. House Resolution 29 designated January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month in Mississippi, with remarks highlighting the importance of blood donation, Vitalant’s role, and the need for a diverse blood supply; the resolution was adopted. House Resolution 26 commended Jamal Roberts for winning the 23rd season of American Idol; members noted he would not be present the next day because of other obligations and that he would reschedule, and the resolution was also adopted. Later, the House observed a moment of silence and announced it would adjourn in memory of Richard Hagar, a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty, and J.P. Carter, a 3-year-old who died of cancer. The chamber recessed and later adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day after additional committee meeting announcements and member notices, including a breakfast invitation and a reminder about committee schedules.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are provisions that could theoretically allow it through what's called a data mining waiver.
• into it today, but yeah, there's a provision in the federal regulations for something called a data mining
• That would be necessary through a data mining waiver for our investigators to go in and look at it themselves
• That would be necessary through a data mining waiver for our investigators to go in and look at it themselves
• can't talk about—and I'm not trying to be cagey—I don't know how they conduct their own internal data mining

Bills: HF3043, HF2891

Keywords: public safety, illegal remunerations, healthcare fraud, grants, criminal penalties, state law, grants management, state employees training, certification, monitoring grants, accountability, grant fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Businesses like mine have helped build this industry.
• Mine, my mother's, and my. husbands. We've all been damaged.
• Business Businesses like mine that check IDs, use certified labs, and follow the rules.
• Companies like mine, who do everything by the book, will be wiped out.
• I have to withdraw mine. I had registered earlier, I don't know if there's a mistake.

Bills: HB 28, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, HB28, public testimony, committee decorum, bill substitute, legislative process

Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, these are kids on the Iron Range who frankly know a lot about mining and timber, but they don't
• and timber but they don't know mining and timber but they don't know about<00:52:37.440> Hollywood
• And so we've seen the same thing with mining and with the helium deposits.
• mining and and with the helium deposits. mining and and with the helium deposits.
• actually, you know, the the mining actually, you know, the the mining country<01:04:52.559> and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
• Your Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
• Your committee on energy industry and mining has had under consideration engrossed committee substitute

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first took up Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. After adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, the chamber concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed the bill 33-0, with one member absent and not voting. The amendment was described as creating an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year, and the bill was presented as a tool to help county boards fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas. The chamber then received a large number of committee reports and advanced several House bills on first reading. These included measures on creating the Team West Virginia Corporation, establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the respiratory care interstate compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the Science and Culture Center, and a comprehensive energy development policy and plan. Several bills were reported as amended by committees, and one energy bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Additional committee action included reports on a bill to repeal the school-transfer eligibility protection, a load forecast accountability bill, oil and gas well plugging provisions, a TANF drug-screening extension, and a bill authorizing the Supreme Court of Appeals to create child protection commissioners. Most of these were advanced on first reading after unanimous consent. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day, with announcements of upcoming committee meetings before the chamber adjourned.