Transcript Highlights:

• David Friedman. Dara Kaufman. Jill Hive. Ruth Ann Fuller. Here. Jamie Hoag. Jamie Hoag. Michael.
• So, David, I think about this question at an institutional level, not an individual level or a group
• society, which require a pluralistic exploration of ideas, which doesn't require you and me to agree, David
• Somebody noticed her Star of David. She ended up being physically assaulted.
• I had, until that point, worn my Magen David, but I didn't really talk about any of the discrimination

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Anti-Semitism opened by approving the minutes from its November 5, 2025 meeting and outlining plans for its next meeting on November 20, when it expects to vote on the draft master report and recommendations. The chair explained that revised drafts would be circulated, changes would be handled by motion, and the final vote would be by roll call. The meeting then moved through several public panels focused on prevention, education, workplace support, and community safety. Parents for Peace testified that anti-Semitism and extremism should be treated as a public health crisis and urged state funding for training in K-12 schools, healthcare, and law enforcement. The panel described its intervention work with radicalized youth and families, argued for early-warning training for educators, and recommended diversion resources for courts and prosecutors so cases can be addressed before they escalate. Commissioners asked about the origins of radicalization, the need for school-based training, and how to connect courts and police to available resources. Project Shema’s Orrin Jacobson argued that effective anti-Semitism education must be nuanced, pluralistic, and grounded in a better understanding of Jewish identity and contemporary anti-Semitism, especially in conversations about Israel and Palestine. He said the group has run dozens of workshops in Massachusetts and emphasized that institutions should adopt content-neutral norms, train staff and administrators, and measure whether trainings lower tensions and increase willingness to intervene. Commissioners asked about handling activists who reject nuance, the role of faculty versus students, and whether classroom norms should limit teachers from advancing personal agendas. A workplace panel from Klaal and Combined Jewish Philanthropies presented survey data showing many Jewish employees feel unsafe being openly Jewish at work and that antisemitism training is the top requested support. They described rapid growth in Jewish employee resource groups, existing programming and stipends for ERG leaders, and recommended mandatory anti-Semitism training, support for Jewish affinity groups in public and private sectors, and broader convenings of major employers. The commission also heard from Truah rabbis and educators, who urged stronger interfaith solidarity, a state office of faith-based and neighborhood partnerships, and explicit attention to democracy and civil rights as part of anti-Semitism strategy. After a recess, the commission heard from Israeli-American, Russian Jewish, and Persian Jewish witnesses who described antisemitism as a lived, personal, and civic issue affecting immigrants and their families. They called for inclusion of diverse Jewish voices in state initiatives, stronger protections for Israeli-American businesses, and recognition that anti-Zionist rhetoric often becomes direct harassment of Jews. The chair said the testimony and suggested edits would be incorporated into the draft report, and the meeting ended with plans for further revisions before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I said, "Well, that's kind of encouraging," and then I remembered David got beheaded.
• <00:34:03.840> You're<00:34:04.560> You're<00:34:04.760> David<00:34:05.400>
• You're You're David and paving a way.
• <00:34:14.960> So,<00:34:15.240> I remembered David got beheaded.
• So, I remembered David got beheaded.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:22 Overview/Impact of Executive Order 47:02 General Funds in Road Plan 50:37 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met for its first meeting and received an overview from Transportation Cabinet officials on the governor’s executive order responding to high gas prices. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock and budget director Shawn McKiernan explained that the order declared a state of emergency, reduced the state motor fuels tax by 10 cents per gallon, froze the tax rate for FY27, and urged Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. They said the emergency regulation would remain in effect until the war in Iran ends or Kentucky gas prices fall below $3 per gallon, and that any transportation budget shortfalls could be covered by the state budget reserve trust fund if requested later by the governor. McKiernan estimated the 10-cent reduction would reduce the road fund by about $26.8 million per month, with roughly 44% flowing to county road aid, rural secondary, and municipal road aid. He said the immediate impact to counties and cities would be about $11.8 million for one month, while the cabinet would see about $15 million per month less available for its own use. He also said the freeze on the FY27 motor fuels tax rate would prevent a scheduled increase and, compared with the budget assumption, would produce about $42 million in net additional revenue, split between local governments and the cabinet. He added that if the reduction lasted through December, the major transportation programs could be down about 16.9% from budgeted levels. Members focused on the effect on local governments, the road fund, and the cabinet’s cash management process. Several senators and representatives criticized the executive order as short-sighted or political, while others emphasized the need for a long-term solution to transportation funding. Questions were raised about how make-whole payments to counties and cities would be handled, how the cabinet manages cash flow, and whether the state should continue relying on general fund transfers to support the road plan. Cabinet officials said they would work with lawmakers, explained that project authorizations are managed based on cash flow and seasonal spending patterns, and noted that construction and maintenance costs have risen sharply, making revenue adequacy a continuing concern.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Uninsured Employer Board, effective September 2, 2025, for a term expiring September 1, 2028: David
• the Uninsured Employer Board, effective September 2, 2025, for a term expiring September 1, 2028: David
• the Uninsured Employer Board, effective September 2, 2025, for a term expiring September 1, 2028: David
• the Uninsured Employer Board, effective September 2, 2025, for a term expiring September 1, 2028: David
• the Uninsured Employer Board, effective September 2, 2025, for a term expiring September 1, 2028: David

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and House messages. Committee reports advanced a number of bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 163, House Bill 1320, Senate Bill 160, House Bill 1210, and several board and commission appointments recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also received House action on multiple bills, including concurrence in Senate amendments to House Bills 1239, 1262, and 1110, a request for a conference committee on House Bill 1084, and transmission of several other measures to the Revisor of Statutes. The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 22, designating July 12-18, 2026, as Plastic Pollution Awareness Week. Senator Cutter spoke in support, arguing that plastic pollution harms environmental and human health, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, and cannot be solved by recycling alone. The resolution was adopted on a 25-9 vote, with several senators recorded in opposition, and co-sponsors were noted. The chamber also recognized guests from the Colorado Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Tax Professionals, as well as visitors from the Colorado School of Mines and former Senator John Evans. Later, the Senate considered special orders on the consent calendar, including House Bills 103, 1026, and 1051, and adopted the committee reports and the bills. House Bill 1026 was amended and House Bill 1051 was advanced to third reading and final passage. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 117, concerning permissible methods for the sale of lottery tickets. Senator Bridges explained that the bill was intended to respond to lottery rules allowing online sales and credit card purchases, but said the measure had been narrowed in committee and then raised constitutional concerns under Colorado’s prohibition on slot machines outside limited gaming areas. The transcript ends during that debate, before final action on Senate Bill 117 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill establishing a sick leave bank for David A.
• House No. 4561, an act establishing a sick leave bank for David A.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and routine floor actions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of congratulatory resolutions for Mary Shanley on her 100th birthday and for Thomas Sagendorf on earning the rank of Eagle Scout; the House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The Rules committees of both branches also recommended suspending Joint Rule 12 to send several battery-storage-related petitions to committee, including proposals on permitting, buffer zones, and lithium battery storage facilities; the House approved that suspension. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a slate of bills for consideration, including measures on seeds, protecting children from alcohol and marijuana use, library patron privacy, restricted vital records, a local alcohol license bill for Cohasset, and sick leave banks for two employees. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills through second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. Later, the House passed to be engrossed bills authorizing Thomas Harmon to purchase retirement credit, allowing Westfield to set an age limit for police officer appointments, creating local license/permit enforcement provisions in Hanson, and simplifying subdivision road acceptance in Marlborough. The House also enacted House No. 4413, a bill concerning the terms of certain bonds to be issued by the Commonwealth. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn and meet again Monday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• rightly and truly prepared for final passage: House No. 4587, an act establishing a sick leave bank for David
• rightly and truly prepared for final passage: House No. 4587, an act establishing a sick leave bank for David

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message returning House No. 3912, a bill to increase the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, with recommendation of amendment, and referred it to the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a petition from Megan K. Kilcoyne concerning condominium owners’ rights, sending it to the Committee on the Judiciary, and suspended Rule 7A to take up several bills reported by Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Those bills were read a second time and ordered to a third reading: House No. 138 on the definition of livestock; House No. 4437 on nutrient management and fertilizer regulation in Nantucket; House No. 4673 protecting first responders and enhancing access to behavioral health centers; House No. 4676 on tort actions for latent diseases; and House No. 4694 on increasing affordable and public housing options. The House then adopted an emergency preamble for House No. 4587, establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee, David A. Russell. Several engrossed bills were passed to be enacted, including House No. 4149 revising the Lynn city charter, House No. 4286 authorizing an additional wine and malt beverage license in Somerset, and House No. 4439 simplifying subdivision road layout and acceptance in Marlborough. House No. 4587 was also passed to be enacted after the emergency preamble vote. The House observed a moment of silent tribute for Representative Anne Margaret Ferrante, who died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, and adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 10 a.m., with adjournment in her memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:06.960> four<00:42:07.200> out<00:42:07.440> of<00:42:07.520> the Davids
• Representative Davids to the report. Representative Davids to the report.
• Thank you, Chair Davids.
• The other items that are in this conference committee report, Chair Davids, House File 3127, which is
• <00:43:28.640> would questions, Representative Davids would questions, Representative Davids

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 719, the capital investment/bonding bill, and members spent much of the debate praising committee staff and describing the bill as a bipartisan product shaped by statewide bonding tours and negotiations. Supporters highlighted major infrastructure and public facility projects, including water and sewer work, transportation projects, housing, natural resources, and specific local needs such as Grand Marais, the Manomomen County hospital/nursing home, and airport tower funding. Several members emphasized that the bill was a “Team House” effort and argued that infrastructure funding should not be treated as partisan. During debate, members also focused on the bill’s water infrastructure investments and the need for broader, dedicated funding to address lead pipes, PFAS contamination, and rising wastewater costs. Representative Lee noted that more than $400 million in the package went to water infrastructure, while other speakers pointed to transportation funding and a one-time reduction in tab fees as important elements of the bill. Representative Franson and others urged support, saying the package reflected statewide needs and was a down payment on larger asset-preservation needs. The House adopted three technical amendments to House File 719, then gave the bill its third reading. After floor discussion, Representative Niska moved to lay House File 719 on the table, and the motion prevailed, tabling the bill. The chamber then moved on to House File 2484, the cash portion of the infrastructure package, where members again described the measure as a small but important funding bill and discussed a Lower Sioux Indian Community Dakota language item and the limited size of each caucus’s cash allocation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Davids. Don't stop believing. Yes. >> Thank you so much. All right.
• Chair<00:49:46.640> Davids. Chair Davids. Chair Davids.
• Representative or Chair Davids is asking us to move the A1 amendment.
• So, to your bill as amended, Chair Davids. be over the river.
• All right, thank you, Chair Davids. Questions for Chair Davids. Okay, seeing none.

Bills: HF4156, HF3835, HF3995, HF4383, HF4091, HF4084, HF4311, HF198, HF4486, HF4302, HF4309, HF4032, HF3855, HF3673, HF4265, HF4012, HF4339, HF4298, HF3852

Keywords: infrastructure, wastewater, stormwater, Buhl, state bonds, appropriations, economic development, water infrastructure, grants, capital investment, funding, state regulation, Frazee, North River Drive, infrastructure improvements, HF4383, Minnesota capital investment, bonding bill, Department of Natural Resources, DNR

Transcript Highlights:

• , and that's what David Kressbach is going to talk about: the shared services.
• David is getting up, so maybe he'll have a better explanation, but my question is: how can that many
• David Krebsbach, University System Office, CFO.
• , and that's what David Kressbach is going to talk about: the shared services.
• David Krebsbach, University System Office, CFO.

Summary: The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts. The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects. Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, my name is David Fischer.
• Um, Representative Davids,>> thank you very much.
• Representative Davids. >> Cha. I. Representative Davids. >> No. >> No.
• >> Davids,<01:30:33.520> nay.
• >> Davids, nay. Representative Dossith. >> Davids, nay. Representative Dossith.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• David Carter, John Mattingly, and David Weinberg. 1018 your way down and sit in any seat.
• Michael Morales, Daniel Hunt, David Carter. John Mattingly, and David Weinberg. Thank you.
• Veronica Worms David Carter, Jennifer Doinoff, David Carter, Jennifer Doinoff.
• My name is David Stout.
• David Stout, El Paso County Commissioner Precinct Two. I'm here on behalf of El Paso.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• An act establishing a sick leave bank for David A.
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for David A.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met for final passage on several measures, beginning with adoption of an emergency preamble for H 4587, a sick leave bank bill for David A. Russell of the Department of Correction. The chamber then took up and passed to be engrossed S 1919, providing for the retirement of Greg Heath, a former firefighter in Westfield, and H 4287, authorizing West Springfield to grant four additional off-premises alcohol licenses. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn in memory of Representative Anne Margaret Ferrante, with Senator Tarr offering a detailed tribute to her life, public service, and advocacy for Gloucester, fishermen, economic development, and children’s literacy. After a moment of silence, the Senate passed to be enacted H 4149, revising the charter of Lynn; H 4286, allowing Somerset an additional wine and malt beverage license; and H 4439, creating a simplified procedure for accepting subdivision roads in Marlborough. Finally, the Senate passed H 4587 to be enacted and laid it before the Governor. The chamber adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Representative Ferrante.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here with me is David Ojakian, Armenian Assembly of America, to also testify.
• I am David Ojakian, Western Regional Director of the Armenian Assembly of America.

Summary: The Rules Committee convened, established a quorum, and approved the consent agenda by unanimous roll call vote. The committee then took up House Resolution 25, authored by Assembly Member Harabedian, commemorating the Armenian Genocide. Harabedian described the resolution as a reaffirmation that the genocide occurred and noted its long history in the Legislature. Supportive testimony came from David Ojakian of the Armenian Assembly of America, who said the resolution was important to counter denial, mark the 110th anniversary, and recognize broader concerns about ethnic and religious cleansing in Artsakh. He cited prior California, congressional, and presidential acknowledgments of the Armenian Genocide and urged passage of the resolution. One witness in opposition, Karahan Mette of the Turkish College in California, argued the events were a wartime conflict rather than genocide, disputed the death toll, and called for a unifying joint resolution instead. Committee members Arreguín and Zbur voiced support for the resolution and its importance to constituents, including the Little Armenia community. The committee then voted to advance H.R. 25 by unanimous roll call, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Davids, have you had a chance to review the meeting minutes for March 25th, 2025?
• Thank you, Chair Davids moves approval of the minutes for March 25, 2025. Any discussion?
• Chair Davids, thank you. Chair, does the Department of Commerce support this bill?
• Chair Davids, thank you. Chair, does the Department of Commerce support this bill?
• There are other bills moving that are trying to address some of the David-and-Goliath way that these

Bills: HF2228, HF46, HF856, HF2149, HF2215

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• With me today is the mayor of Arden Hills, David Grant. David Grant, mayor of Arden Hills.
• :10:31.680> D me today is the mayor of Arden Hills D me today is the mayor of Arden Hills D David
• :33.519> you<00:10:33.640> Mr<00:10:33.839> Grant<00:10:34.120> please David
• With that, I'll have City Administrator David Chuck take it from here. Mr.
• Chuck uh take it administrator David Chuck uh take it from<00:58:04.440> here<00:58:04.760>

Bills: HF220, HF230, HF240, HF241, HF295, HF429, HF490, HF505, HF574, HF576, HF581, HF865, HF918, HF1085, HF1449, HF1452, HF1454, HF602

Keywords: HF220, Minnesota transportation, highway user tax distribution fund, trunk highway fund, Minnesota Department of Transportation, MnDOT, transportation finance, dedicated funds, funding restrictions, arts in transportation, cultural strategies, transportation project planning, project design, project construction, placemaking, public art, infrastructure spending, state statutes 161.045, HF230, Wyoming

Transcript Highlights:

• David has done most of the work on this. I'd like him to address it for us.
• David Charney, the state's Deputy Medicaid director, and Henry Litman, the state's Medicaid director.
• David has done most of the work on this. I'd like him to address it for us.
• has done most of the work director David has done most of the work on<00:54:01.280> this<00:54
• My name is David Langing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DOA<01:07:54.079> I<01:07:54.200> also have David David Smith with DOA I also have
• David David Smith with DOA I also have<01:07:54.520> our<01:07:54.680> division<01:07:
• I think David... okay, did he leave? Okay, maybe David.
• David, David, and... okay, yeah, oh, sorry, the program ID numbers.
• Um, uh, I guess for David, thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is David Stradinger.
• Thank you, David. Do we have any questions? Representative Anderson? Thanks, Chairman.
• Chairman, may I ask David with DEQ a question?
• Chairman, may I ask David with DEQ a question?
• And then, David, you mentioned staffing.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is David Stradinger.
• Thank you, David. Do we have any questions? Representative Anderson? Thanks, Chairman.
• Chairman, may I ask David with DEQ a question?
• Chairman, may I ask David with DEQ a question?
• And then, David, you mentioned staffing.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• David Yaskowitz, Dr. Philip Kaufman, and Dr. Gustavo Savatini. Okay, we're going to start with Dr.
• David Yaskowitz. We have you registered as Dr.
• David Yaskowitz, representing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, testifying on the subject.
• David Yaskowitz. We have you registered as Dr.
• David Yaskowitz, representing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, testifying on the subject.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border. USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later. Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production. Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls David Hackthorne. Thank you for being here today.
• We show that you registered as David Hackthorne. behalf of yourself and you are neutral on the bill,
• Thank you David Webb. Thank you. being here today.
• We show you registered as David Webb on behalf of yourself, and you are testifying. for the bill.
• Chair calls David Dunmoyer. Thank you. for being here today.

Bills: HB150, HB869, HB876, HB 1043, HB1494, HB1522, HB150

Keywords: cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, information technology, classification officer, job descriptions, state positions, competency-based, information sharing, government efficiency, public sector, private sector, distributed ledger, title registry, real estate, property liens, pilot program, healthcare