Transcript Highlights:

• It's been a big transition and a lot of work of learning. And for Ms.
• Each one of these leases now has heirs living on them.
• Into, you know, the next chapter of their lives and living on that development, these lots simply need
• They live out in Oklahoma or Florida.
• First of all, thank you for your service.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, transitioning over to Oasis, the uniform licensure software that all boards currently use
• opportunity to present Docket No. 24-2301-2501, Rules of the Speech, Hearing, and Communication Services
• to be licensed as video remote interpreting providers so that not every individual performing this service
• This rule change would put that license type into the Speech, Hearing, and Communication Services Licensure
• to be licensed as video remote interpreting providers so that not every individual performing this service

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee met to consider a series of temporary and pending administrative rules, mostly from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) for health-related boards. Early actions focused on fee reductions or fee flexibility for the Idaho Boards of Midwifery and Nursing, and the Board of Dentistry, with members asking about cash balances, why refund language was removed in one rule, and how merged boards and fee holidays might affect future rates. The committee voted to extend the temporary rules to July 1, 2026 and then approved the corresponding final rules for midwifery, dentistry, and nursing. Members also discussed a nursing reinstatement fee set at $35 to align with Idaho Code and standardize fees across boards. The committee then considered a proposed fee increase for the Occupational Therapy Board, which DOPL said was needed because the board’s cash balance was below statutory limits and projected to go negative without action. Testimony described prior cost-cutting efforts, including reduced staff time, travel, and meetings, but several members objected to the increase as a tax-like burden and questioned whether other budget changes or board mergers could solve the problem. The Senate had already rejected the docket, and the House committee ultimately voted to reject it as well. Members also raised concerns about whether DOPL consolidation has increased costs for smaller boards and whether the board’s public safety role justified licensure. The committee approved a new Speech, Hearing, and Communication Services rule creating a video remote interpreting provider license authorized by House Bill 311, with a $150 fee for up to five interpreters at a business. DOPL said the license is new nationally, had no public comments, would not affect the general fund, and would be the lowest fee of its kind in the country. Finally, the committee considered a Physical Therapy Licensure Board fee increase from $25 to $40, which DOPL said was needed because the board’s cash balance was low and projected to decline further despite cost reductions and modernization through the online licensure system. Members debated the impact of DOPL consolidation and fee disparities across professions, but after a substitute motion, the committee voted to reject that docket as well. The meeting concluded with announcements about visiting physicians from the WHAMMY program and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 1244 as the state's only full service 1244 as the state's only full service maternity<00:18:17.799
• The cost of living is a huge issue.
• </c><01:37:13.159><c> in</c> 97% of nurses Who currently live in 97% of nurses Who currently live in
• Thank you so much. areas is we have demand for EMS services areas is we have demand for EMS services
• </c><02:43:51.200><c> Mahalo</c> the change to help save lives Mahalo the change to help save lives Mahalo

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Health and Labor heard testimony on HB 1244, a measure relating to labor standards at health care facilities and nursing staff ratios. Committee members opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a suggested two-minute testimony limit and Zoom rules. The bill drew extensive testimony from hospitals, nursing organizations, unions, and individual nurses, with the central debate focusing on whether staffing ratios should be set by statute or left to collective bargaining and unit-level staffing decisions. Opponents included the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Queen’s Health Systems. They argued that fixed ratios are too rigid for the changing conditions of hospital care, could worsen workforce shortages, and should be handled through labor negotiations, staffing committees, and existing agreements. Several also pointed to investments in nursing education, loan repayment, and workforce development as better solutions. Queen’s said it had recently reached an agreement with nurses after more than 40 meetings that included a staffing framework, and Kapiolani and others emphasized the need for flexibility in emergencies and specialty care. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Pride at Work Hawaii, the Hawaii Nurses Association/American Nurses Association chapter, Hawaii Nurses Association Local 50, UNAC/UHCP, and individual nurses, said unsafe staffing levels contribute to burnout, turnover, errors, and patient harm. Testifiers described chronic short staffing, emotionally and physically exhausting workloads, and situations in which nurses were responsible for too many patients at once. Supporters argued that safe ratios are necessary to protect both patients and nurses, and that collective bargaining has not been enough to ensure safe conditions statewide, especially in facilities without unions. No vote or final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e Any lads when I was in high school in Rhode Island, yeah, I lived in
• UMass, if you live within a 50-mile radius, you can have in-state tuition.
• And we just went live. We did make a big investment in a new ERP—enterprise resource planning.
• </c><01:26:04.080><c> December</c> old and so we just went live December old and so we just went live
• So we make use of that data often to understand the trajectory of our students' academic lives.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kim Brunzel, Department of Education and Nutrition Services.
• I live in Placer County.
• This funding means tutoring, counseling, bilingual support, and services that can change the lives of
• County overseeing 500 youth service providers.
• County overseeing 500 youth service providers.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before colonists settled in America there were at least 10 million Native Americans living on this land
• Our faith communities exist to help individuals and families live according to their beliefs. do not

Bills: SCR5 , SCR13 , SB3 , SB6 , SB10 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB18 , SB19 , SB24 , SB35 , SB57 , SB65 , SB112 , SB284 , SB290 , SB388 , SB400 , SB402 , SB412 , SB495 , SB499 , SB502 , SB509 , SB621 , SB706 , SB740 , SB815 , SB842 , SB854 , SB875 , SB893 , SB917 , SB974 , SB1025 , SB1061 , SB1073 , SB1106 , SB1268 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1379 , SB1447 , SB1451 , SB1555 , SB1902 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SCR13 , SCR25 , SCR5 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR24 , SB495 , SB412 , SB10 , SB18 , SB565 , SB372 , SB842 , SB765 , SB62 , SB19 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB290 , SB13 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB917 , SB925 , SB388 , SB1902 , SB1121 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB35 , SB6 , SB815 , SB3 , SB1281 , SB1379 , SB1300 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB1451 , SB1061 , SB15 , SB65 , SB241 , SB304 , SB402 , SB499 , SB621 , SB974 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB1025 , SB1106 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB400 , SB609 , SB1447 , SB670 , SB502 , SB427 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB893 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB509 , SB985 , SB965 , SB17 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB12 , SB24 , SB57 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1268 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB840 , SJR57 , SCR8 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB610 , SB918 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB535 , SB761 , SB1 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415

Keywords: SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming, education K-16, State Affairs, Texas Legislature, public school tribute, water rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up was the Becker city administrator. absolutely necessary service for daily absolutely necessary
• </c><00:14:58.639><c> which</c> who rely and utilize their service which who rely and utilize their service
• appreciates services the city appreciates representative<00:15:18.199><c> melin</c><00:15:18.560><c>
• Foraging is much more part of Minnesota's lives than we may realize.
• </c> therefore this tradition and living therefore this tradition and living practice<01:06:30.640><c

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and with a purpose to improve the lives and with a purpose to improve the lives of<00:01:56.039>
• Thank you for your leadership and your service to the people of Minnesota.
• </c><01:19:48.679><c> the</c> be public to to make that transition the be public to to make that transition
• </c><01:38:23.840><c> in</c> intertwine with our lives in intertwine with our lives in Minnesota<01:38
• So, a family of great public service.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition and ensuring continuing of service for the district
• Too often where a patient lives determines whether they're able to access adequate health care services
• Too often where a patient lives determines whether they're able to access adequate health care services
• It's both an effective and efficient way to deliver health care services to patients living in rural
• It's both an effective and efficient way to deliver health care services to patients living in rural

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One, two, three percent is what they live on.
• Are you in quick service? Are you in fast casual or are you in full dining?
• Are you in quick service? Are you in fast casual or are you in full dining?
• Today, the payments industry is not simply a financial service.
• And that has real consequences for their lives.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The commission met to continue studying credit card payments, interchange fees, fraud, chargebacks, and the impact of card processing costs on small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurant owners, payment-industry representatives, and an airline trade group. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a major and rising expense, that businesses are paying fees on sales tax and tips that are merely pass-through amounts, and that merchants have little negotiating power. Several restaurant and retail witnesses described thin margins, higher costs for card-not-present transactions, and chargebacks that they said usually favor cardholders and leave merchants absorbing losses and fees. Witnesses from the Cooperative Credit Union Association cautioned that state-level interchange regulation could reduce revenue used for fraud prevention, compliance, and member services, and could lead to higher rates or reduced access. Retail and restaurant representatives countered that fees have risen sharply, that statements are difficult to decipher, and that rewards programs and card-network pricing are subsidized by merchants and ultimately by all consumers. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association and independent operators urged legislation to bar fees on tax and tip portions of transactions and to allow businesses to pass along card fees if they choose, saying this would improve transparency and fairness and help keep small restaurants open. Other testimony came from the National Restaurant Association, which supported interchange reform and said modern point-of-sale systems can already separate tax and tip amounts, and from a payments-industry group that emphasized the broader economic benefits of digital payments and warned against state-by-state rules. Airlines for America opposed changes that could undermine airline credit card rewards programs. Commission members asked detailed questions about fee structures, card types, chargebacks, POS systems, and whether consumers paying cash are also affected. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service to Texas.
• I live in Cuthand, Texas.
• I live in Cuthand, Texas.
• She's still alive and well, and she still lives in her home.
• And I take it that's somewhere near where you live.

Bills: HB1523 , HB2109 , HB2694 , HB3525 , HB3898 , HB4646 , HB5188 , HB5219 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5655 , HB5659 , HB5662 , HB5672

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard House Bill 2109, which would remove certain long-proposed reservoir projects from the state water plan after 50 years without progress. Chairman Van Deaver and many landowners, local officials, timber interests, and conservation advocates testified in support, arguing that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has burdened Northeast Texas landowners for decades with the threat of eminent domain, depressed property values, and uncertainty over homes, farms, ranches, schools, churches, and cemeteries. Supporters also said the project would flood tens of thousands of acres, require extensive mitigation, harm timber and agriculture, and that Texas now has better alternatives such as conservation, reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination. Several members expressed sympathy for the affected families and questioned whether a project could remain in the plan indefinitely without progress. Opposition came from North Texas water interests, including the North Texas Commission, Tarrant Regional Water District, and the Texas Water Association, who argued that the bill would interfere with the state’s long-term water planning process and remove needed future supply options for a fast-growing region. They said Region C faces major projected shortages by 2070, that conservation and reuse have already delayed the need for new supplies, and that reservoirs remain one tool in the state’s water-planning toolbox. TWDB staff explained the existing inter-regional conflict process and noted that the substitute would affect several unique reservoir sites, not just Marvin Nichols. After testimony, Chairman Van Deaver closed by urging passage of the bill, but the committee withdrew the substitute and left HB 2109 pending. The committee then took up House Bill 5188, a brackish groundwater bill. The author said the bill would reduce permitting burdens for wells in designated brackish groundwater production zones, and the committee substitute added requirements on monitoring, groundwater-rights ownership, and allocation of pumpage limits while removing some exclusions and export-fee provisions. Texas Wildlife Association testified against the bill, warning that the exemptions could weaken groundwater conservation districts’ ability to protect freshwater resources and surface-owner rights. San Antonio Water System testified in favor, saying brackish groundwater is a key future supply and that the substitute would help speed development of desalination and brackish projects. The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts testified neutrally but raised concerns about reduced district oversight, especially around injection-well exclusions and the loss of export fees, and said discussions on the bill were ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• wants to live in the city.
• Some of us like to live out here in nowhere land.
• Special ed classrooms, service students, pre-K through 12.
• more dollars for ancillary services.
• So while I do live in Logan, Mascaro is where my heart is.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live with sickle cell disease.
• : community transition services, peer support, therapy, counseling, employment and housing assistance
• , wraparound services, independent living, skill building, and ambulatory detoxification services.
• I mean, I used to live with a ...votes were taken to make a difference in our lives.
• We can make them better, productive individuals that have happier lives that don't need these type services

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered SB 268, a public records bill for emergency physicians. A strike-all amendment narrowed and clarified the exemption, and the sponsor said it was intended to protect current emergency department physicians and eligible family members who submit a written request. Emergency physician Dr. Sean Patterson and several health care organizations supported the bill, citing threats, harassment, and safety concerns tied to mandatory reporting and patient encounters. The committee adopted the amendment and reported SB 268 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then heard SB 514, creating the Doula Support for Healthy Births Pilot Program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for pregnant and postpartum women, with priority for those affected by substance use disorder. Members discussed how the Department of Health would implement the pilot, collect data, and work with existing maternal health partners. An amendment changed the funding source to specific appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. Supporters said doula care can improve maternal and infant outcomes and help address Florida’s maternal health crisis. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 36, on use of professional nursing titles, drew extensive debate over whether nurses with doctoral degrees should be able to use the title “doctor” in clinical and advertising settings while clearly identifying themselves as nurses. The sponsor said the bill was about transparency and patient clarity, while several senators raised concerns that patients could confuse DNPs with physicians. Supporters from nursing groups said the bill protects earned credentials and does not expand scope of practice. The committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House version and reported SB 36 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also reported favorably SB 864, creating a public records exemption for uterine fibroid research data; SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care management for certain health professionals; SB 1404, revising memory care licensing for assisted living facilities; and SB 914, clarifying dry needling authority for occupational therapists. Finally, the committee took up SB 1758, a broad public assistance bill affecting Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described reforms including stronger fraud enforcement, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services through a waiver, pharmacy program changes, and SNAP fraud reduction measures. Members questioned the work requirement, implementation costs, eligibility verification, and due process concerns, while the sponsor said the bill would require federal approval and legislative review before implementation. Three amendments were adopted to adjust drug list update timing, expand public testimony on the high-cost drug list, and require faster prior authorization responses with a temporary supply in emergencies. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of SB 1758.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting worse services and a higher cost of living. No.
• We're getting worse services and a higher cost of living.
• And they lost their lives. So long, we did not get to them in time, and they lost their lives.
• legal services.
• Lives are on the line in California.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I own Roadwork Ahead Traffic Services out of Twin Falls, Idaho.
• I live in Meridian, and I represent the Idaho State Police. Good afternoon, Mr.
• I live in Meridian, and I represent the Idaho State Police.
• These young people's lives have been changed forever. Their lives will never be the same.
• These young people's lives have been changed forever.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's a good transition, Senator Dibble. Maybe we go now to your amendments.
• </c> Simon and that's a good transition Simon and that's a good transition Senator<00:14:00.959><c> dble
• </c> morning um in Health and Human Services morning um in Health and Human Services by<00:26:05.399>
• </c> current law and as mentioned our lives current law and as mentioned our lives uh<01:32:37.520><c
• </c> employees living in living and working employees living in living and working in<01:48:41.880><c

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Public Finance Authority pursued the legislative appropriations to meet the debt service requirement
• Public transit stays at 1.6. And the counties are getting 35%. And so...
• The next bucket is $250 million for social services.
• said as far as the role that counties and townships and stuff have, but, you know, they do have to live
• far as the role that counties and townships and stuff have, but, you know, there is, they do have to live

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider Senate Bill 2012, the Department of Transportation budget, with Representative Brandenburg presenting a detailed House amendment package and Speaker Robin Weisz explaining the overall funding strategy. The discussion focused on restructuring transportation funding streams, including moving Prairie Dog money into a flexible transportation fund, adjusting gas tax distributions, increasing the legacy earnings transfer from 7% to 8%, and authorizing a $155 million bond for Highway 85. Members also discussed DOT operations, bridge funding, rest areas, electronic titling, and the use of funds for grants to counties, cities, and townships. A separate provision would let the DOT consider whether local ordinances or policies unreasonably restrict permitted agriculture or energy projects when scoring grant applications, which drew significant debate about local control and whether the language was punitive. Testimony from Brandenburg and Weisz emphasized that the plan was intended to provide more predictable funding, preserve the ability to match federal dollars, and direct money where needs are greatest through a grant process. Weisz said the package was designed to simplify multiple revenue buckets, ensure DOT can meet federal match requirements, and free up money for the general fund while still supporting transportation needs. Several members raised concerns about whether cities, counties, and townships would receive as much as under the prior Prairie Dog structure, whether the bridge allocation was correctly reflected in the bill, and whether the local-policy language would penalize subdivisions that oppose energy projects. Supporters argued the state needed to protect revenue tied to energy development and that local governments would still receive distributions plus additional grant opportunities. The committee adopted the House amendment to SB 2012 by a vote of 19-1-3, then rejected an amendment to remove the local-policy language on a 5-15-3 vote. The committee then passed SB 2012 as amended on a 20-0-3 vote, with Representative Brandenburg designated as the carrier. The chair announced that Senate Bill 2014 would not be taken up at that time and the committee recessed until called back.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> who put their lives lives on the line who put their lives lives on the line and<00:11:12.399><c>
• His legacy lives on. As we 2019. His legacy lives on.
• She lived a life of service, excuse me, as one of the first Black teachers in the Hazelwood School District
• She lived a life of service, excuse me, as one of the first Black teachers in the Hazelwood School District
• We are living through the most important global energy transition since the Industrial Revolution.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And unlike me, try to live in those moments. Try to live in those moments.
• </c> Try to live in those moments. Try to live in those moments.
• I heard so many stories of how constituent services can really make a difference in people's lives.
• can really make a difference in services can really make a difference in people's<01:57:43.119><c> lives
• And may that change continue to live on in each and every one of us, with that spirit of service and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have high demand for digital evidence. testing services in Minnesota. testing services in Minnesota
• </c> &gt;&gt; Our laboratory provides testing services &gt;&gt; Our laboratory provides testing services
• ,</c><00:30:24.840><c> special</c> in special ed services, special in special ed services, special education
• </c><00:30:34.000><c> in</c> needs, and provide those services in needs, and provide those services in
• Paul for 6 months, so I'm I lived in St.

Bills: HF3599 , HF3761 , HF3523 , HF3515 , HF573

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements