Transcript Highlights:

• To move that volume of wood, it would take 20,000 semis end to end.
• , facing is that it's not just the volume, facing is that it's not just the volume, but<01:37:51.320
• The amount of tonnage and yardage that waste-to-energy can produce. >> Yeah, pure volume. Mr.
• >> Yeah,<01:41:18.640> pure<01:41:18.840> volume.<01:41:19.480> Mr.
• Hogan, when you >> Yeah, pure volume. Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that'll give you an idea of some of the volumes you're seeing.
• Importantly, we would retain the existing ownership caps.
• While improving safety, importantly, we would retain the existing ownership caps, and the crews have
• But it keeps the ownership caps, and I can tell you that our group is not comprised of private equity

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Massachusetts sea scallop fishery, especially the economic importance of the industry, federal scallop management, and two policy questions: reopening the Northern Edge area on Georges Bank and allowing permit stacking/permit consolidation. Chairing senators emphasized their interest in hearing both sides, their frustration with federal bureaucracy, and their view that the issue should be guided by science while protecting the long-term resource and local communities. Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council and Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the Magnuson-Stevens framework, annual catch limits, rotational area management, and the role of industry-funded surveys and the research set-aside program. They said scallops remain the most lucrative council-managed commercial fishery on the East Coast, but recent changes include more small scallops, lower biomass in some areas, higher natural mortality, and shifting abundance toward Georges Bank. On the Northern Edge, they explained that the council previously considered opening the area through a framework/joint action with habitat management, but discontinued the action in 2024 because of conflicting objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and other species. They said the issue could be revisited through future council priority-setting. Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund argued that the fishery needs modernization to remain economically viable. They supported reopening the Northern Edge and strongly backed permit stacking, saying it would allow two permits on one vessel while keeping ownership caps in place, reducing costs, improving safety, and helping family-owned fleets avoid financial distress and outside investment. Port of New Bedford representative John Regan stressed the port’s central role in the state economy, the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure, and the importance of any permit changes preserving local ownership and participation. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members asked that the witnesses keep the committee informed as the council and federal agencies consider next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we did this bill, in 2021, I believe, we put a $30 million cap on it.
• But we still have that cap, and the cap is in statute, so we think we don't need any more money with
• That being said, if companies meaningfully lag behind on either proposed production volume or carbon

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's proven to be really successful for stores that have higher SNAP sales volumes.
• The removal of effective caps on damages and expansion of liabilities under the state's malpractice statutes
• We need to stabilize and incentivize our rural health care, fix medical malpractice by providing caps
• We need to stabilize and incentivize our rural health care, fix medical malpractice by providing caps

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only a few breweries in the state produce the volume required to hit the $30,000 mark.
• It would provide $1,440 in tax relief for the year, but that would be capped at what I paid, which was
• And so the cap is $30,000 per year? Yes.
• In budget cycles, the funding cap has increased from $10 million to $40 million.

Bills: HB249, HB 1186, HB2313, HB2408, HB2508, HB2730, HB2974, HB3045, HB3232, HB3336, HB3710, HB4044, HB4236, HJR133, HB249

Keywords: ad valorem taxes, property taxes, homestead exemption, disabled veterans, senior citizens, tax payments, installment payments, municipal tax revenue, hotel, convention center, tax code, economic development, local government, municipality, tax revenue, qualified projects, municipal taxation, hotel project, municipality funding, veteran

Transcript Highlights:

• As I mentioned, Texas caps our admin. They cap our profits. We share back savings to the state.
• The other information that I have to share with you is the cap rate.
• So, if that's not caught, then they're paid way over their access cap. >> What's your billing cap in
• >> What's your billing cap in Brazos Valley?
• To try and at least put a cap on that and deter fraud. >> Okay, great.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, whether that's just eliminating the cap or doing an increased number of projects.
• an annual cap—so I think it's no more than 10% of our construction program can be design-build.
• You know, whether that's just eliminating the cap or doing an increased number of projects.
• You know, whether that's just eliminating the cap or doing an increased number of projects.
• You know, whether that's just eliminating the cap or doing an increased number of projects.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With tightly capped property taxes and limited ability to raise local revenues, communities simply do
• With tightly capped property taxes and limited ability to raise local revenues, communities simply do
• regional collaboration, and we've long advocated to increase Chapter 90 funding to support the large volume

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held its first hearing of the session on H. 53, Governor Healey’s Chapter 90 proposal to increase state funding for municipal roads, bridges, sidewalks, and culverts. Committee chairs outlined the hybrid hearing process and invited testimony from municipal officials, labor groups, regional planning organizations, contractors, and administration officials. Across the hearing, speakers consistently supported the bill, emphasizing long-deferred maintenance, inflation in construction costs, climate-related flooding, and the need for more predictable, multi-year funding so cities and towns can plan projects and take advantage of the construction season. The administration described H. 53 as part of a broader $8 billion transportation package, proposing to raise annual Chapter 90 funding from $200 million to $300 million for five years, with the additional $100 million distributed by road mileage to better support rural and small communities. They also highlighted $200 million for culverts and small bridges, plus other transportation investments, and said the five-year authorization would provide certainty for municipal capital planning. Municipal witnesses from places including Carlisle, Beverly, Granby, Hatfield, Newton, Nahant, Gardner, Beckett, and Yarmouth described local road and culvert backlogs, rising asphalt costs, and the difficulty of maintaining infrastructure on limited local budgets. Labor and industry witnesses from the AFL-CIO and MAPA said the bill would support good-paying jobs and provide stability for contractors and producers. The MBTA Advisory Board and regional planning representatives also backed the proposal, noting the connection between local roads and the broader transportation system. Committee members asked questions about the road-mile formula, culvert needs, asphalt costs, and the rationale for a five-year authorization. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was part of the department's ask—to keep up with that volume of work too, because we still have.
• Proceeds and caps the distribution of funds into the Inland Protection Trust Fund.
• Program and revises the community-based care lead agency carry forward, capping it at 8% of the annual

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• approached as well that really want to get into this work, but there simply has not been the accumulated volume
• Are we too strict on the way that we cap these wells?
• So with that type of drilling, what's the cost gonna Be if we have to start capping some of those or

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this has been another sort of issue with Gallup in particular, just given the volume of projects
• That is our hard cap.
• The soft cap comes with the core and non-core orbs, which have also been recognized as field in the past

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are incredible figures that speak volumes about the strength of the Texas economy and the soundness
• And really putting a cap on the penalties and interest if possible at some point, um, just to allow taxpayers
• funding for emergency services is not just a policy matter, it's a public safety imperative being capped

Bills: SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: redistricting, election, Texas legislature, district composition, political representation, congressional redistricting, Texas House of Representatives, U.S. House, Congressional districts, district map, district boundaries, gerrymandering, voting rights, election law, apportionment, representation, special committee, PLANC2308, redistricting plan, elections

Transcript Highlights:

• country now that say tariffs are a tax on your grocery bill in the short term I'm not sure of the the volume
• people and that we pass legislation with this body in the House to make 36 percent interest rate a cap
• And I personally think that the CAP program has been helpful, is important, and is really our only tool

Keywords: financial regulations, SEC, Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Transit Administration, nominees, Empowering Main Street in America Act, capital formation, economic growth

Summary: The committee meeting focused on several nominees within key financial institutions, including discussions surrounding the SEC, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency. Notable dialogue included concerns over regulatory balance, with various members emphasizing a need to streamline regulations to foster innovation while ensuring accountability and safety for investors. The importance of the proposed 'Empowering Main Street in America Act' was highlighted as a means to facilitate access to capital for small businesses, underlining the current administration's approach towards financial regulations.

Transcript Highlights:

• one of your questions that we have a declining workforce, that's how we're going to feel some of that cap
• This data underscores the urgent need for strategic initiatives to address skilled caps and cultivate
• However, only about 15% of our container volumes are exports over. 85 1% of the containers going back

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wanted to ask about issue one, which is the issue of statutory caps.
• And I'll note that the board has asked for an increase in the statutory cap before.
• It's a good thing that you haven't needed to increase the statutory cap in the past.
• I was before you this time five years ago asking for this cap.
• So not the assumption being if that fee cap was granted, the assumption... Right.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to recurring rates, most jurisdictions adopt a rate formula to set a cap.
• Now the FCC doesn't regulate MUY, but Texas chose to apply the FCC formula as a cap for MI poll rates
• I can say to your point. that in the majority of cases where you have the FCC formula again as the cap
• TPPA is especially concerned with the 4th new potential cap wherein the PEC, after a contested case,
• TPP ultimately recommends the deletion of these new caps as applied to municipal and utilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's three straight record-breaking years for us in passenger volume.
• We also completed our fifth straight record-breaking year in cargo volume by moving 3.1 million tons
• And this might be, of course, the support of this body, but all the way up to the capital is PFC, the cap

Summary: The Transportation Committee met to consider two bills and then held a lengthy discussion on Florida airport infrastructure. SB 246, presented by Senator Rodriguez on behalf of Senator Gruters, would authorize a UFC specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting the UFC Foundation’s charitable work. A UFC Foundation representative described community beneficiaries and said the plate would help raise funds for local charities. With no questions or debate, the committee voted SB 246 favorably. The committee also took up SPB 7012, a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles public-records exemption bill that would remove the October 1, 2026 repeal date for certain active investigatory records. Senator Avila moved to submit it as a committee bill, there was no objection, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The remainder of the meeting focused on the Comprehensive Airport Infrastructure Program. FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue outlined Florida’s aviation system, the department’s airport funding programs, and the state’s role as a financial partner in safety, capacity, preservation, and economic development projects. He said Florida has 128 public-use airports, 21 commercial-service airports, and four large-hub airports, and noted that airport funding is largely supported by gas-tax-related revenues, with additional support from documentary stamp revenue and other fees. He also discussed the new airport infrastructure planning requirements created last session and said all required airports had submitted plans. Committee members asked about the loss of aviation fuel tax revenue, workforce development, project timelines, and how FDOT prioritizes funding, with Perdue emphasizing safety, preservation, capacity, economic return, and matching funds. A panel from Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa international airports then described major capital programs, passenger growth, and funding needs. The airports highlighted terminal expansions, parking, baggage systems, airfield rehabilitation, people movers, and other modernization projects, along with the importance of maintaining aging facilities while accommodating growth. They said FDOT and FAA grants are helpful but increasingly insufficient for runway and taxiway costs, and several panelists said passenger facility charges and other revenue tools are important to future self-sufficiency. Members also asked about workforce shortages, small-business participation, landing-fee negotiations, and non-aeronautical revenue. The panel said workforce challenges are most acute in trades and maintenance, small-business programs are active at each airport, and landing fees are negotiated with airlines to keep airports competitive while funding needed improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Municipal League, TML is an lobbying group against property tax caps preventing taxpayers from
• , the fact that the school board trustees are unpaid volunteers and coupled with the overwhelming volume
• It really boils down to the sheer volume. legislation that sits out there and the time that is a volunteer

Bills: SB 18, SB 19, SB18, SB19, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888

Keywords: Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water permit, water appropriation, dam permit exemption, reservoir, flood control, floodwater control, erosion control, sediment control, watershed protection, flood prevention, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, USDA, local sponsor, district, authority, water infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• patient days or on volume base? patient days or on volume base?
• dollar volume? dollar volume?
• We've never done it just to get a little bit more volume cuz there is a volume.
• We've never done it just to get a little bit more volume because there is a volume.
• We've never done it just to get a little bit more volume because there is a volume.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, there is no cap in this bill.
• It also does not provide any caps.
• They did pull out caps at the end of the bill, but it's still a caps bill due to what can be introduced
• So that's just not a cap.
• It doesn't cap damages.

Bills: HB4806

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all