Transcript Highlights:

• There do not appear to be any. Ms.
• First, The initial period of a protective order is enlarged from two years to five years.
• We're not necessarily opposed to enlarging the initial period.
• I am not appearing in my capacity as Judge of the Family Court.
• The bill allows a final decree without requiring either party to appear in person in the court.

Bills: HCR10, HB1814, HB2160, HB2353, HB2643, HB2971, HB3282, HB3382, HB3996, HB4507, HB4509, HB4805, HB5551, HB1863, HCR10

Keywords: family abduction, child safety, custodial rights, parental kidnapping, awareness day, marriage license, informal marriage, family code, identity verification, child support, family law, child custody, court interview, parent-child relationship, child welfare, attorney ad litem, compensation, legal representation, government entity, HB 2643

Transcript Highlights:

• Even though revenue in the current year are coming in higher than were initially budgeted, the state's
• We have an initiative with CSU right now, where we are combining our purchasing power across our campuses
• exceeding the state target, notably in 2025-26, while at the same time instituting a hiring freeze, appears
• to have contributed to some programmatic impacts... ...hiring freeze appears to have contributed to
• For research, near-term risks appear to be more limited than initially expected, as many of the proposed

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid. On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary. The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed. The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um those are all done first appearance.
• There's a first appearance video that they are provided.
• appearance with a mediation<01:36:30.960> date.
• How do they go about initiating something like that?
• it's not exactly related to to initial it's not exactly related to to initial process<01:43:28.639

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee met on April 15, 2025, and opened a hearing on Senate Bill 269, which would remove references to “bride and groom” and replace them with “applicants” in the Vital Records Act. The bill was described by the sponsor’s designee as a housekeeping update requested by the Secretary of State to modernize and standardize the language in light of same-sex marriage and to make the statute gender-neutral. Members asked whether the change would affect the substance of marriage law, marriage ceremonies, age and residence requirements, or open the door to polygamy; the response was that it would not change the law, would still apply to two adults, and would not supersede New Hampshire’s ban on polygamy. Some members noted the bill had passed the Senate unanimously and 18-0, while others questioned whether the change was necessary given existing forms and statutes, and whether it could create confusion with other laws such as alimony or divorce paperwork. The discussion became lengthy and somewhat informal, with members debating whether the terminology update was merely clerical or whether it should be postponed for more information from the Secretary of State’s office. Several members expressed frustration that no representative from that office was present. One member, speaking as a family law attorney, argued the bill was redundant because similar information already appears on vital statistics forms and could potentially create unintended issues; others countered that the Legislature should keep statutes consistent with current law and modern terminology. The committee also briefly discussed how marriage certificates and licenses are labeled and how same-sex couples are designated under current law. After a Republican caucus break, the chair called for a nonbinding thumb vote on whether to postpone the bill. The committee voted to come back to the bill later, and the hearing on SB 269 was closed and postponed to a later executive session date. The chair then shifted to other committee business, including preparations for a later discussion with Chief Administrative Justice Ellen Kristo and a family court subcommittee exercise, but no further action was taken on SB 269 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• um behind is called, the advocates here um behind this<00:12:35.200> um<00:12:35.520> initiative
• /c><00:12:36.200> are<00:12:36.480> Med-QUEST,<00:12:37.320> Aloha this um initiative
• are Med-QUEST, Aloha this um initiative are Med-QUEST, Aloha Care,<00:12:38.480> Department<00
• Members, these measures will appear on tomorrow's order of the day for agree and final reading.
• order of the day appear on tomorrow's order of the day for<01:03:59.359> agree<01:04:00.080><

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• When examined closely, the issue appears to be driven by two primary categories: process and people.
• When examined closely, the issue appears to be driven by two primary categories: process and people.
• And that's really the crux of this bill: it appears to prohibit that. Mr. Chair.
• And as you said, the federal government is the one that really funds this initiative, this homeless initiative
• It appears the ayes have it. You have it. So ordered.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Intel Expert/Expert Works on using its Intel Expert software to help the Department of Child Safety and law enforcement process large volumes of audio, video, and text data in cases involving missing, abused, neglected, and exploited children. The presenters said the tool can triage hotline calls, identify names, locations, relationships, criminal methods, and coded language, and produce translated and aggregated transcripts, with the goal of reducing hundreds of hours of manual review to minutes. Members discussed possible use with DCS, sheriffs, DOC, procurement and RFP issues, cost, and whether the system could help identify backlogs, serial abusers, and trafficking networks; the presenters said it is already used in Iowa and could be adapted quickly for Arizona. Committee members indicated interest in pursuing legislation, a pilot, or budget action, and said they would follow up with agencies and the presenters. The committee then considered HB 2460, which would preempt local ordinances that penalize businesses for theft of movable property, especially shopping carts. The sponsor argued cities were shifting the cost of stolen carts onto businesses and consumers instead of pursuing thieves, while city and league representatives argued local ordinances were needed to address blight, sidewalk hazards, and abandoned carts, and that the bill would unnecessarily limit local control. After debate over whether businesses should be required to retrieve carts or use anti-theft devices, the committee passed HB 2460 on a 4-3 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 2060, which would prohibit public educational institutions and ABOR from encouraging or facilitating abortions. The sponsor said taxpayer-funded schools should remain neutral and not use official roles to promote abortion, while opponents argued the bill would chill constitutionally protected health care information and referrals, especially on campuses where student health services may be the only care available. Supporters testified that campuses should provide alternatives such as pregnancy resources and adoption information. The committee passed HB 2060 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard HB 2210, as amended, which would prohibit the state, political subdivisions, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect fees from aircraft owners or operators. Supporters said the technology was intended for aviation safety and should not be repurposed as a tax-collection tool, warning that pilots might turn it off to avoid fees and reduce safety. Opponents, including the City of Phoenix, said airports need flexibility and that the bill could interfere with local airport operations. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment and then passed HB 2210 as amended on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:07.280> Uh<00:03:07.599> this<00:03:07.840> will gravel roads initially
• Uh this will gravel roads initially.
• Um, could be appeared that way if he were to ever get pulled over.
• <00:25:54.880> drunk really like he's maybe appearing drunk really like he's maybe appearing
• Um could be appeared that in a sense.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It retains the mandatory court appearance. It retains the mandatory court appearance.
• Are there any appearance forms for the bill? We have a few. All right.
• Are there any appearance forms on the bill? All right.
• We have appearance forms on the bill. We do have a couple.
• Are there appearance forms? Well, we do have one.

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any appearance forms for the bill? >> Question about thanks.
• >> Are there any appearance forms? We have 2 appearance forms.
• We do have some appearance forms.
• That's all of our appearance forms.
• >> Their appearance forms the bill. There are 9.48.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The ayes appear to have it, and you have passed the bill in concurrence with proposal of amendment.
• The eyes do The eyes appear to have it.
• The ayes appear to have it, and you have concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment.
• The eyes do The eyes appear to have it.
• The eyes do The eyes appear to have it.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tom Stevens of Waterbury, who reflected on the Sermon on the Mount as a call to resist exclusion, greed, and coercion and to focus on blessing and care for those in need. After the devotional, the chamber suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career and technical education system, and committed it to the Committee on Education. The House also adopted HCR 241, a concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont Distinguished Professor and Vermont State Climatologist Dr. Leslie Ann Dupigny-Giroux on receiving the Manny L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, with members offering remarks about her climate work and public service. On the action calendar, the House passed Senate Bill 157 on recovery residence certification in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and Senate Bill 239 on the child abuse and neglect reporting working group in concurrence with proposal of amendment. During discussion of S. 239, a member explained that the House amendment was a technical correction adding the Vermont School Counselor Association and the Agency of Education as stakeholders for the working group to consult. The House also concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 410, which concerns the calculation of recidivism and other criminology measures; the Judiciary Committee said the Senate change was a clarifying wording revision and supported it. The chamber then moved through announcements, including recognition of visiting family members, a UVM intern, and notice of a caucus discussion on permitting modernization. A member also invited colleagues to view Vermont Railways’ train in Montpelier. The House completed its orders of the day and adjourned until the next morning at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have any appearance forms on this bill.
• Are there any appearance forms on the bill as amended? I do have a few.
• I do have one appearance form.
• I do have one appearance form: Kathleen Murray, speaking for the bill.
• Are there any appearance forms for the amendment?

Bills: S7022, S0178, S0430, S0464, S0538, S0920, S1036, S1136, S1216

Keywords: public records, open government, sunshine law, education assessments, testing materials, exam security, assessment instruments, test items, answer keys, scoring rubrics, item banks, developmental materials, workpapers, student testing, academic dishonesty, cheating, Florida Department of Education, State Board of Education, Board of Governors, Florida College System

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just want to reaffirm that, again, when I was with this bill as it was initially...
• When I was with this bill as it was initially introduced, I strongly supported it.
• If the ag community appears that the ag community is on board, if this is a way to move...
• If the ag community appears that the ag community is on board, if this is a way to move it out, I don't

Bills: HB1318

Keywords: HB 1318, pesticide labeling, pesticide warning, duty to warn, failure to warn, labeling defense, EPA-approved label, Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, FIFRA, North Dakota agriculture commissioner, product liability, tort reform, preemption, carcinogenicity classification, human health assessment, pesticide regulation, agricultural chemicals, herbicide, insecticide, rodenticide

Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee met on April 10 and took up House Bill 1318, a bill dealing with pesticide-related liability and warning-label issues. The chair explained that the bill had drawn strong interest from both agriculture and public health sides, and that the committee was trying to craft language that would protect consumers without unduly harming agricultural production. He said the committee had worked through multiple draft amendments and was now considering Amendment 1006, which was described as a compromise combining earlier proposals and narrowing the bill’s scope to pesticides registered with the state commissioner. Members discussed whether the amendment would weaken the original intent of the bill. Senator Myrdal said the revised language added needed guardrails and addressed concerns about overly broad preemption language and warning-label standards, while also preserving agriculture’s ability to operate. After a motion to rescind the earlier action on the bill passed, Amendment 1006 was adopted unanimously by the members present. A motion to move the bill without committee recommendation failed for lack of a second. The committee then voted on House Bill 1318 as amended. The do-pass motion passed on a roll call vote, with Senators Weber, Luick, Myrdal, and Lemm voting yes, and Senators Marcellais and Weston voting no. The chair said he would carry the bill. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair and staff for their work during the session, and the chair noted he might call the committee back if a conference committee report required further input.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ayes appear to have it.
• The eyes appear to opposed, nay. Nay. The eyes appear to have<00:09:53.480> it.
• The eyes appear to opposed, nay. Nay. The eyes appear to have<00:58:51.960> it.
• The eyes appear to opposed, nay. Nay. The eyes appear to have<00:59:31.200> it.
• <01:00:48.880> 298<01:00:50.040> appeared So, S. 298 appeared So, S. 298 appeared for

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete an appearance form and hand it to a member
• And so I did just want to take a minute to talk about sort of our dark skies initiative.
• Launch capacity: we have secured more than 80 launches to deploy our initial constellation.
• Do we have appearance cards?
• We need all of our presenters to fill out an appearance card before you leave today.” “Okay.

Summary: The Committee of Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security heard a series of informational presentations focused on Florida’s aerospace and space ecosystem. Blue Origin described its Florida operations at Rocket Park, Launch Complex 36, and Port Canaveral, highlighting New Glenn and Blue Moon development, recent launch activity, workforce development efforts, and major capital investment in the state. Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) outlined its low-Earth-orbit broadband network, customer terminals, satellite and gateway architecture, dark-sky mitigation efforts, and Florida investments including a payload processing facility and launch support infrastructure. Starcatcher Industries presented its concept for an orbital energy grid that would beam power to satellites, discussed demonstrations in Florida, customer interest, and plans for a first satellite launch next year. Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace industry, citing billions in private investment, growth in aerospace establishments and projects, spaceport infrastructure investments, workforce and university partnerships, and the importance of maintaining Florida’s competitiveness against other states. NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro then emphasized Artemis II preparations, rising launch demand, aging infrastructure, and the need for stronger state-federal coordination and investment in research, workforce, and common-use infrastructure. She compared Florida’s support structure with Texas and argued that Florida must act to avoid losing aerospace leadership. Members asked questions about mobile and aviation applications for Amazon Leo, dark-sky impacts, satellite counts, Starcatcher’s power transmission losses and storage approach, and NASA’s funding and infrastructure constraints. Petro also discussed limits on commercial investment in common infrastructure under federal rules and suggested that state investment and better alignment among partners could help. No bills were considered and no votes were taken beyond adjournment; the committee concluded by adopting a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I anticipated more testimony, but it does not appear that we have such an overwhelming amount of testimony
• Then we try to get that person through those programs prior to the initial parole date.
• Then we try to get that person through those programs prior to the initial parole date.
• The department supports... in a public hearing that if you initiate in a public hearing that if you initiate
• The first one in recent years was initiated in 2016 by HDR 85.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Get Out More initiative invests in transformational infrastructure and equipment.
• He then said that a couple of years ago they launched an initiative called For the Outdoors, which is
• It's good to see both of you again after previously appearing, I think, in Commerce."
• <01:26:14.480> So,<01:26:15.040> Oh, appearing, I think, in commerce.
• So, Oh, appearing, I think, in commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• don't like. it to shut down citizens' initiatives you don't like.
• You don't have to pay if it's truly a grassroots initiative.
• If we were happy with the House version from the initial.
• And from that point, there's no billboard that appears in Duval.
• No billboard should appear in Duval.

Bills: HB135, HCR64, SCR3, SCR30, SB500, SB739, SB816, SB898, SB1283, SB1351, SB1423, SB1531, SB1540, SB1666, SB1721, SB1886, SB1931, SB2001, SB2075, SB2154, SB2173, SB2217, SB2284, SB2375, SB2383, SB2386, SB2398, SB2448, SB2476, SB2540, SB2580, SB2589, SB2693, SB2707, SB2776, SB2786, SB2801, SB2864, SB2927, SJR84, SCR30, SB243, SB324, SB393, SB457, SB511, SB529, SB547, SB636, SB646, SB659, SB715, SB731, SB735, SB800, SB801, SB904, SB1065, SB1141, SB1181, SB1224, SB1241, SB1242, SB1250, SB1266, SB1285, SB1359, SB1434, SB1442, SB1467, SB1502, SB1524, SB1528, SB1551, SB1585, SB1640, SB1754, SB1757, SB1777, SB1844, SB1863, SB1972, SB2007, SB2035, SB2046, SB2055, SB2069, SB2082, SB2119, SB2139, SB2154, SB2200, SB2201, SB2269, SB2310, SB2330, SB2357, SB2366, SB2401, SB2422, SB2514, SB2530, SB2533, SB2543, SB2544, SB2550, SB2568, SB2589, SB2660, SB2693, SB2695, SB2707, SB2717, SB2721, SB2742, SB2753, SB2807, SB2846, SB2891, SB2925, SB2938, SJR3, SJR18, SB5, SB326, SB767, SB769, SB783, SB914, SB963, SB1035, SB1197, SB1271, SB1415, SB1437, SB1619, SB1637, SB1786, SB1806, SB494, SB530, SB2312, SB1, SB260, HB135, HB 1109, HB1392, HB22, HCR64, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SCR30, SCR3, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2458, SB2201, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1721, SB1013, SB2797, SB2383, SB2119, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB2076, SB2786, SB2876, SB2284, SB1540, SB2929, SB2540, SB2595, SB2217, SB715, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2514, SB2753, SB2398, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB1449, SB2529, SB2846, SB2476, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB1359, SB2386, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB410, SB2776, SB2580, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB456, SB1666, SB2801, SB2055, SB1012, SB2926, SB2138, SB1242, SB2615, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB1528, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, SB2721, SB243, SB1285, SB2568, SB1959, SB1442, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, SB1551, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, HB2525, HB3093, SB1032, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835, SJR84, SB457, SB547, SB904, SB1467, SB1757, SB1777, SB2055, SB2069, SB2139, SB2401, SB2530, SB2543, SB2695, SR349, SR367, SR468, SB3064, SB3065, HJR7, HB 119, HB 130, HB163, HB166, HB201, HB272, HB331, HB380, HB654, HB694, HB718, HB865, HB 1266, HB1397, HB1500, HB1552, HB1576, HB1583, HB1584, HB1760, HB1894, HB1965, HB2018, HB2029, HB2286, HB2340, HB2427, HB2455, HB2467, HB2508, HB2523, HB2730, HB2756, HB2791, HB2970, HB3016, HB3096, HB3248, HB3255, HB3336, HB3623, HB3698, HB3699, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB4129, HB4187, HB4236, HB4238, HB4643, HB4738, HB4739, HB5333, SCR3, SCR30, SB500, SB739, SB898, SB1283, SB1351, SB1423, SB1540, SB1666, SB1721, SB1886, SB1931, SB2001, SB2075, SB2154, SB2173, SB2217, SB2375, SB2383, SB2386, SB2398, SB2448, SB2476, SB2540, SB2580, SB2589, SB2707, SB2776, SB2786, SB2801, SB2864, SB2927, HB135, HCR64, SB2284, SB3064, SB3065, HJR7, HB 119, HB 130, HB163, HB166, HB201, HB272, HB331, HB380, HB654, HB694, HB718, HB865, HB 1266, HB1397, HB1500, HB1552, HB1576, HB1583, HB1584, HB1760, HB1894, HB1965, HB2018, HB2029, HB2286, HB2340, HB2427, HB2455, HB2467, HB2508, HB2523, HB2730, HB2756, HB2791, HB2970, HB3016, HB3096, HB3248, HB3255, HB3336, HB3623, HB3698, HB3699, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB4129, HB4187, HB4236, HB4238, HB4643, HB4738, HB4739, HB5333

Keywords: sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, gifted education, education support, student achievement, academic excellence, Texas education, cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the Senate did have an amendment to this to clarify some language which I initially put together
• Uh, so uh I think that it is important to also note that removing the appearance of conflict of interest
• of of conflict of uh appearance of of conflict of interest.<00:10:35.040> Uh<00:10:35.519>
• of conflict of removing the appearance of conflict of interest<00:10:44.800> is<00:10:45.120>
• <00:11:11.120> of avoid that con that appearance of avoid that con that appearance of conflict

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on SB 302, a bill requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Members discussed and adopted amendment 2025-2219H, which incorporated language from prior Senate and House amendments, including provisions related to the siting evaluation committee and changes affecting landfill expansions and additional cells. The amendment also folded in language from HB 616, the animal cruelty/due process bill, which members said clarifies probable cause, imminent danger, temporary protective custody, and the role of the state veterinarian or designee in animal seizure decisions. Several members emphasized that the bill does not bar seizure of animals in emergencies or prevent nonprofits from fundraising, and that the changes are intended to strengthen due process and reduce conflicts of interest. The committee voted 12-0 to adopt the amendment. It then voted 12-0 to give SB 302 an OTPA recommendation with the amendment included. After the vote, the director raised a concern that the amendment appeared to eliminate the waste management council and related appeal provisions in the governing statutes; members acknowledged the issue and said it was intentional or at least acceptable to address later in committee of conference, where they expected further changes. The committee then agreed to place the bill on the consent calendar. After concluding the executive session, the committee discussed an afternoon field trip to research farms in Lee and Durham. They also accepted an invitation to visit a farm in Fremont on May 30 at 10:00 a.m., with the address provided as 63 South Road, Fremont, New Hampshire.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, I'll always have an open door, and this is our initial rollout.
• So, you know, I'll always have an open door, and this is our initial rollout.
• Are there any appearance forms for the bill? We do have one.
• Any appearance forms on the amendment? None. Any debate on the amendment?
• Are there appearance forms on the bill? No, sorry. I dropped them. Yeah.

Summary: The committee first heard the proposed Pre-K-12 education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, totaling $34.7 billion. The chair highlighted major increases for the FEFP, including $29.6 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $984 million year-over-year increase, along with higher per-FTE funding, $4 billion for the Family Empowerment Scholarship, $431.4 million for VPK, funding for school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. With no public comment, the committee adopted a motion for staff technical corrections and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then considered SB 1402 on dropout retrieval programs. The bill expands eligibility so any individual who has withdrawn from high school may enroll in dropout retrieval services and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer those services. An amendment clarifying the grading calculation was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up SPB 7030 on educational scholarship programs, a broad measure addressing school choice funding and administration. The bill would fund the Family Empowerment Scholarship as a separate categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, standardize payment timing to monthly installments, require continued eligibility verification, and add Level 2 background checks for providers receiving state funds. Members raised questions about background-check enforcement, payment timing, data sharing, and the impact on homeschool and private-school families. Public testimony included support from school-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about added regulatory burdens and deadlines. The committee adopted the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no. Finally, the committee considered SB 508 on the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which requires private schools to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide to students with existing plans such as IEPs, EEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans before enrollment. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services. Testimony was mixed: supporters said the bill would give parents needed information for informed choice, while private-school representatives said the language could be burdensome and vague. The committee reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um initially and I think on this of May.
• As I mentioned, impacted providers got the initial letter in January.
• I think that covered what we were looking for initially with this.
• So, and we also want to get appearances.
• Until 5 days after service initiation starts.

Bills: HF729

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But in the act, our initial... ...focused on our service area.
• But in the act, our initial dive into these things is how do we make people safe?
• That amount was the exact initial setup fee with Motorola.
• Our initiative is to protect the lives of children in our schools.
• That was phase one, and that was the initial focus.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee opened with remarks about moving JLAC to a more frequent monthly schedule and spending more time on each audit. Members also recognized Melanie Chesney of the Auditor General’s office for 32 years of service, with several members praising her work and her role in school safety and other audits. The meeting then turned to the JLAC-directed Arizona School Safety Special Audit on interoperable communication systems, with the Auditor General’s office presenting the December 2025 report. The audit found that the state had allocated nearly $26 million to interoperable communication efforts, but implementation varied widely. Auditors said all 14 law enforcement agencies used the money for interoperable systems, yet four agencies allowed private or tribal schools to participate contrary to statute, and several agencies failed to submit required expenditure reports. The report also found procurement problems: nine of 14 agencies did not follow procurement requirements or lacked documentation, many contracts lacked accountability provisions, and some agencies had not planned for ongoing costs. The audit estimated ongoing annual costs for an average rural county could range from about $16,000 to $382,000, and recommended that agencies document costs, follow procurement rules, monitor vendors, and plan for future funding. It also recommended the legislature clarify whether non-public schools may participate and revisit statutory system requirements that were vague or inconsistently interpreted. Members questioned the Auditor General about vendor licensing, whether systems could be built in-house, why some functions were not configured, and whether the systems were truly usable in emergencies. The presentation explained that some systems met requirements only in part, that Mutualink had a per-user licensing model affecting access to secure text and file sharing, and that some schools were unwilling or unable to install apps or keep devices logged in. The committee also discussed the difference between the separate school safety grant program administered by ADE and this interoperability fund, and several members expressed frustration with sole-source contracting and weak documentation. In the final portion of the presentation, auditors said only two of eight observed systems demonstrated all five critical emergency functions, while four agency systems could not be tested because they were reportedly not functioning. The committee then began hearing responses from county sheriffs, starting with the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association president, who emphasized county commitment to school safety and noted that some counties had implemented systems across multiple districts, including tribal and rural schools. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion provided.